⚒️Cross-Chain Interaction Protocol

The Link Network's interchain interoperability protocol is based on the IBC protocol, supporting communication between two blockchain systems without the need for trust in any intermediary or node. This solves the problem of interoperability between chains and achieves the cross-blockchain transfer of any data in a trust-minimized, scalable, and universal way. Such data includes asset cross-chain and information cross-chain transfers, such as cryptocurrencies, NFT assets, and cross-chain account management or queries.

Client: In the IBC architecture, a client represents one blockchain and is responsible for tracking the state and consensus information of another chain. Clients enable one chain to verify transactions and block headers on another, ensuring transaction security.

Connection: A connection is the relationship between clients on two chains. It establishes a secure channel through which the two chains can exchange information and assets. Each bidirectional connection allows data to flow freely between them.

Channel: Channels are established on top of connections and are used for specific data transfers. Each channel is dedicated to a particular information or asset exchange type, such as token transfers or data calls. Channels transmit data using standardized packet formats defined by the IBC protocol.

Data Packet: A data packet is a unit of information sent through a channel. Each packet contains transaction information, such as asset amount, sender, and recipient addresses. Clouds must be validated and approved by the source chain before being sent and executed on the destination chain.

Acknowledgement: Once a packet is successfully processed on the destination chain, the destination chain generates an acknowledgement message back to the source chain. This acknowledgement confirms the completion of the transaction, ensuring its finality.

Routing: In a multi-chain environment, the IBC protocol determines the sending path of packets through a routing mechanism. Routers decide which channel and connection a packet should be sent through based on its type and destination address.