Router Takes SLF Token Omnichain
Opening the door for a future where any Cosmos chain, contract-capable or not, can achieve full interoperability.
The vision is becoming real every day, Router Chain and Self Chain have come together to achieve something truly huge. In a first-of-its-kind integration, Router has enabled seamless cross-chain messaging for a Cosmos-based chain, Self Chain, that lacks contract capability.
By leveraging IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) and CosmWasm contracts on Router Chain, this integration allows $SLF token transfers between Self Chain and Ethereum, overcoming the limitations of contract deployment.
What makes this even more exciting is that Router has now opened the door for other Cosmos chains without contract capability to enjoy the same cross-chain reach.
Experience it Now: http://app.routernitro.com
Introducing Self Chain: A Modular Intent-Centric Blockchain
Self Chain is the first Modular Intent-Centric Access Layer 1 blockchain and a keyless wallet infrastructure service, designed to simplify the way users interact with Web3. Self Chain runs on a Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus, secured by the Tendermint protocol and powered by the Cosmos SDK.
$SLF is the native token of Self Chain that enables users to actively participate in staking, governance, and the validation process. By staking $SLF to validators, users help secure the network while earning rewards from gas fees and newly minted tokens.
Integration Overview: New Opportunities for Cosmos chains and $SLF Bridging
Historically, Cosmos chains that lacked contract capability had a tough time when it came to cross-chain interactions. It created a real barrier, limiting what these chains could do in terms of connecting with other blockchains. But we have created a system that completely bypasses the need for contracts on the chain itself!
This integration with Self Chain is a prime example of the same.
By using IBC and CosmWasm contracts on Router Chain, we’ve made it possible for a chain like Self Chain, which doesn’t have contract capability, to interact seamlessly with Ethereum. Which has further enhanced flexibility and utility for $SLF holders, enabling seamless transfers between Self Chain and Ethereum and enjoying the best of both ecosystems without any hurdles.
Let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of the system and explore how Self Chain and Router Chain are working together to create a seamless experience for token bridging across chains.
The core technology driving this integration relies on two key components:
- IBC Channel: We’ve set up an IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) channel between Router Chain and Self Chain, allowing for the transfer of tokens and messages between these two blockchains.
- CosmWasm Contract: A CosmWasm contract deployed on Router Chain handles the bridging of tokens between Ethereum (or any other connected chain) and Self Chain. This contract is responsible for locking, unlocking, and minting tokens as they move across chains, ensuring that the transfer process is secure and efficient.
Detailed Workflow
1. Transfer of Tokens from Self Chain to Ethereum
Here’s how users can transfer $SLF tokens from Self Chain to Ethereum with Router Chain:
- The process begins with an IBC transfer of tokens from Self Chain to Router Chain, accompanied by a memo. This memo contains essential information such as the destination Ethereum address and the amount to be transferred.
- Once the IBC message is received on Router Chain, the tokens are locked into the CosmWasm contract. At this point, the system generates an outbound request to mint the equivalent tokens on Ethereum. The memo’s details (destination address, amount) are extracted and used to process this request.
- The outbound message is then relayed to Ethereum, where a smart contract mints the required tokens and sends them to the user’s Ethereum address.
2. Transfer of Tokens from Ethereum to Self Chain
Moving $SLF tokens from Ethereum to Self Chain is equally straightforward:
- The process starts with the burning of tokens on Ethereum. Once this is completed, an inbound request is sent to Router Chain, instructing it to transfer the corresponding tokens back to the user on Self Chain.
- After the inbound request is verified by Router’s orchestrators, it is received by the CosmWasm contract on Router Chain. The contract then unlocks the equivalent amount of IBC tokens.
- Finally, the contract initiates an IBC transfer request to send the tokens from Router Chain to Self Chain, completing the transaction and crediting the user’s account on Self Chain.
Benefits for Users and Developers
As mentioned above, for $SLF token holders, this means greater liquidity and utility. Whether you’re staking, participating in governance, or exploring dApps, the ability to move assets between two major blockchains without friction gives you more control and more opportunities.
Additionally, for Cosmos developers, working with chains like Self Chain — where deploying contracts isn’t an option — used to be a challenge, especially when trying to achieve cross-chain functionality. But now, developers can build on Self Chain without worrying about the chain’s contract limitations.
In short, Cosmos developers don’t have to compromise on cross-chain reach, even if the chain they’re building on doesn’t support contracts. This opens up access to new markets, more users, and fresh opportunities for innovation, all while simplifying the process of cross-chain dApp development.
A Vision of an Omnichain Future
With $SLF tokens now able to flow freely between chains, we’re excited about the opportunities this creates for both developers and users. But this is just the beginning. Router’s integration with Self Chain is a glimpse of what’s possible, even for chains that don’t support contracts.
We’re already working on similar integrations with other Cosmos chains that lack contract capability, proving that the future of cross-chain messaging doesn’t have to be limited by technical barriers. More integrations, more bridges, and more innovations are on the horizon.
The goal is simple: to create a truly omnichain ecosystem where every chain, regardless of its capabilities, can seamlessly connect and interact. Stay tuned!
