Arch Network enables the development of all kinds of platforms and applications on the bitcoin blockchain. For individual investors and bitcoin holders, it can be the gateway to a new world of opportunities:
What is Arch Network?
If you are not familiar with this project, Arch Network is an innovative execution platform that enables the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and the integration of complete smart contracts into the Bitcoin base layer, without the need for bridges. Unlike layer 2 (L2) solutions, Arch does not compromise the security and liquidity inherent to Bitcoin.
The platform is based on a FROST + ROAST signature scheme and a specialized virtual machine (VM), which allows for reliable and decentralized execution, and which we will expand on later in this article. This approach offers greater security compared to bridged-based options, and enables advanced functionalities such as “multiparty computation”, interoperability between programs, and the creation of programmable multisigs. All of this makes it easy to build essential DeFi elements on Bitcoin, such as loan marketplaces, AMMs and stablecoins, without requiring changes to the BTC protocol.
Arch allows developers to build decentralized applications on Bitcoin, ensuring asset safekeeping, liquidity and interoperability, while maintaining consensus and data availability on the base chain. Through its decentralized network of validators, nodes verify transactions asynchronously and collaborate to anchor the results on the Bitcoin blockchain, respecting their block times.
What Is And How Does The FROST + ROAST Scheme Work?
The Arch Network scheme is based on an innovative combination of two signature protocols: FROST (Flexible Round-Optimized Schnorr Threshold) and ROAST (Robust Asynchronous Schnorr Threshold Signatures), which enables secure and reliable execution on the Bitcoin network.
FROST is a protocol that allows the participation of a minimum number of signatories in a transaction, which makes it more efficient than other multisig models, such as MuSig, by not relying on the full cooperation of all participants. This approach ensures that transactions can proceed as long as a threshold of signatures is reached, which improves security and reduces transaction costs. However, the weakness of FROST is that it does not guarantee robustness in complex networks, since if any node fails or acts maliciously, it could cause the signature process to fail.
To solve this problem, Arch adds ROAST to the scheme. ROAST coordinates the interaction between nodes, ensuring that the process does not stop if a signer behaves incorrectly. Thus, Arch can guarantee the signing of a transaction as long as at least 51% of the nodes are honest and cooperative. This protocol minimizes failures and allows transactions to complete reliably, without significant network disruptions.
The integration of FROST and ROAST into the Arch scheme enables the secure execution of smart contracts and programmable multisigs directly on the Bitcoin base layer, striking a balance between security, efficiency and robustness, making the platform suitable for real-world applications.
How Arch Network Works
Arch offers a secure and efficient environment for Bitcoin DeFi applications, without the problems associated with bridging or asset wrapping solutions, and with the ability to execute transactions quickly and reliably.
All this, it can achieve thanks to its unique features and functionalities in the industry. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones:
Bridge-Free Execution
Users can interact directly with smart contracts without having to transfer their assets to other chains, simplifying the process. Arch allows all asset transfers to be performed using native Bitcoin transactions, although it is also possible to build account-based systems to improve transaction speed.
Decentralized Validation
Transaction requests are sent by users through the RPC interface. These requests are distributed among the nodes of the decentralized validator network, which execute the requested program, sign the result and share it with the leader node. Once a threshold of signatures is reached, the leader node sends the transaction to the Bitcoin network.
Validation in Arch is completely decentralized and open, allowing anyone to participate in the security and verification of the network. Thanks to an efficient dissemination protocol, information is quickly propagated throughout the network, ensuring resilience and consistency.
Bitcoin Anchored State Transitions
Although state data is managed within the Arch network, all state transitions are anchored to the Bitcoin network via transactions. This allows any transition or associated data to be cryptographically verified by users. Although program results are subject to Bitcoin’s block time, Arch’s performance is not limited by this factor, as program execution depends on the capacity of the validators’ hardware.
Reducing Trust Assumptions
By allowing users to invoke programs via native Bitcoin transactions, Arch simplifies the user experience and reduces security risks. By not relying on bridges, common concerns such as the possibility of assets being trapped in the system in the event of a bridge failure are eliminated. In addition, users rely on the decentralized key generation scheme only while their assets are under the control of Arch-managed Bitcoin addresses.
What Arch Network can be used for
Arch aims to establish itself as a hub for the development of DeFi projects of all kinds. As we have seen, it can achieve this by combining its innovative protocol with the advantages of the Bitcoin blockchain. But what exactly can be done on Arch Network and what are its use cases?
Creating Bitcoin Liquidity Protocols
Arch Network enables the development of liquidity protocols within the Bitcoin ecosystem. This facilitates the creation of decentralized exchanges (DEXs), liquidity pools and automated market makers (AMMs) that operate directly on Bitcoin. Users can exchange assets without the need for centralized platforms, taking advantage of Bitcoin’s ample liquidity in a reliable manner.
Decentralized Lending & Borrowing Platforms
With support for smart contracts, Arch enables the creation of decentralized lending platforms, where users can offer their bitcoins or digital assets to generate interest or borrow without traditional intermediaries. This provides a secure and trustless environment for financial transactions, eliminating the need for third parties and reducing costs.
Yield Farming And Staking In Bitcoin
Arch also supports mechanisms such as yield farming and staking in the Bitcoin ecosystem. These features offer new ways to generate passive income for users who own native Bitcoin assets, transforming the digital currency into a productive asset within the DeFi ecosystem. This expands the possibilities for Bitcoin holders, who can take advantage of opportunities beyond simply holding its value.
Synthetic Assets and Decentralized Derivatives
Thanks to the ability to execute smart contracts, Arch enables the creation of synthetic assets and decentralized derivatives markets on Bitcoin. Users can gain exposure to a variety of financial assets, without having to physically own them. This development brings greater diversity to the DeFi space, allowing more types of financial instruments to be accessible within Bitcoin.
Multi-chain Liquidity
Arch Network focuses on interoperability, enabling seamless interaction between Bitcoin and other blockchains. This expands the possibilities for DeFi applications, facilitating solutions that leverage the strengths of multiple networks. The integration of multiple blockchains can improve functionality and user experience, providing access to a wider range of decentralized financial services.
Conclusion
Arch Network exponentially expands the possibilities offered by the Bitcoin blockchain. Thanks to its multiple functionalities, it offers opportunities for both developers and individual investors.
Arch not only enhances the Bitcoin ecosystem, but also brings new opportunities to the blockchain space and DeFi in general. Its ability to integrate smart contracts into Bitcoin promises to create a more versatile, efficient and inclusive financial system.
