Three-Layer System
1. Execution Layer
The top layer handles bridge requests and routing decisions:- Request Processing: Parses user requirements and translates them into executable plans
- Quote Aggregation: Simultaneously queries multiple bridge providers and execution engines
- Route Optimization: Evaluates options based on cost, speed, security, and liquidity
- Transaction Assembly: Constructs ready-to-sign transactions with optimal routing
- Status Tracking: Monitors execution across all integrated providers
2. Bridge Provider Ecosystem
The middle layer consists of different types of bridge providers that fulfill cross-chain requests:Intent-Based Networks
- Eco Solver (Caldera): ETH and native token focused routes
Intent-Based Networks (External)
- Across Protocol: Independent intent-based protocol with UMA verification
- Relay Protocol: Independent cross-chain infrastructure with Solana support
- Eco Solver (Eco): Stablecoin-focused routes
Native Bridges
- Arbitrum Bridge: Direct L2 canonical bridge integration
- Optimism Bridge: OP Stack canonical bridge access
- Base Bridge: Native L2 bridge integration
- zkSync Bridge: Zero-knowledge proof based bridge
Specialized Bridge Providers
- MetaToken: Caldera’s omnichain token standard with hub-spoke architecture
- OFT: LayerZero’s omnichain token standard
- Future Integrations: Expanding ecosystem of bridge technologies
3. Settlement Layer (Metalayer-Powered Routes only)
The bottom layer provides secure messaging and final settlement:- Hyperlane Integration: Sovereign deployment of proven messaging technology
- Custom Validators: Independent validator set for enhanced security
- Message Verification: Cryptographic proofs ensure secure delivery
- Cross-Chain Reads: Query state from multiple chains atomically
- Configurable Security: Choose between fast finality and full finalization
Data Flow
Component Interactions
Bridge Request Flow
- User Submits Request: Via SDK, widget, or direct API call
- Quote Aggregation: System queries all available bridge providers
- Route Optimization: Evaluates quotes by multiple criteria
- Execution Selection: User or system selects optimal route
- Transaction Signing: User signs constructed transaction
- Cross-Chain Execution: Provider fulfills request on destination (via competitive solvers for intent-based routes, directly for native bridges)
- Settlement Verification:
- External intent protocols: Handle their own settlement
- Metalayer-powered routes: Metalayer verifies and settles execution
- Native bridges: Handle their own settlement
Message Passing Flow (Metalayer-Powered Routes only)
- Message Dispatch: Contract calls MetalayerRouter on source chain
- Event Emission: Router emits cross-chain message event
- Validator Pickup: Hyperlane validators detect and verify event
- Cross-Chain Relay: Validators relay message to destination chain
- Delivery Execution: Destination router executes message payload
- Confirmation: Source chain receives confirmation of delivery
Security Architecture
Multi-Layer Security
- Execution Layer: Rate limiting, quote validation, route sanity checks
- Provider Layer: Liquidity commitments, reputation tracking, and route-level safeguards
- Settlement Layer: Cryptographic proofs, validator consensus, finality guarantees
Configurable Trust Models
- Fast Finality: ~10 second latency with sequencer trust assumptions
- Full Finalization: Wait for L2 finality with maximum security
- Custom Security: Per-application security parameter configuration
Economic Security
- Provider Liquidity: Intent-based providers deploy their own capital and maintain balances across chains
- Validator Incentives: Validators rewarded for honest behavior
- Risk Controls: Route-level limits and monitoring mitigate malicious actions
Deployment Architecture
Per-Chain Deployments
Each supported chain has consistent contract deployments:- MetalayerRouter: Main entry point for cross-chain operations
- Inbox Contracts: Receive and process incoming messages
- IntentSource: Registry for user intents and execution tracking (for Metalayer-Powered intents)
- MetaProver: Generates proofs for intent fulfillment (for Metalayer-Powered intents)
Shared Infrastructure
- Aggregation API: Centralized service for quote aggregation, event indexing, and status tracking
- Eco Solver Networks:
- Caldera-operated solver for ETH and native token routes
- Eco-operated solver for stablecoin-focused routes
- Validator Network: Independent Hyperlane validator set for secure message passing
Scalability Design
Horizontal Scaling
- Provider Competition: Multiple entities can fulfill the same route types
- Chain Agnostic: Add new chains without modifying existing deployments
- Provider Integration: Easy onboarding of new bridge providers
Performance Optimization
- Parallel Processing: Simultaneous quote requests to all providers
- Caching: Intelligent caching of quotes and chain state
- Routing Heuristics: Preference scoring based on historical latency and fees (ML-driven routing is on the roadmap)