AEStack

In the initial version of aelf, we introduced a multichain architecture that significantly enhanced the network’s throughput. Building upon this foundation, we are now integrating rollup technologies to further diversify our offerings and provide developers with unparalleled flexibility. Our commitment to innovation is exemplified by the incorporation of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) as an execution layer within aelf, which will concurrently function as the consensus, settlement, and data availability layer. The diagram below illustrates our comprehensive strategy for achieving maximal adaptability in blockchain technology.

Figure 3.0. Rollup Vision

To realize this vision, we are introducing the following key components:

Core Components

1. Solidity-Compatible Sidechain: The sidechain leverages WebAssembly (Wasm) for executing Solidity smart contracts. Solidity code is compiled into Wasm binaries, enabling smooth execution within the host node. This integration facilitates seamless integration with aelf, offering a robust settlement layer for various rollup technologies via Solidity smart contracts.

   The integration of Wasm execution capabilities allows for seamless deployment and execution of solidity smart contracts on the aelf network, with the same level of efficiency and reliability as native aelf contracts.

   With wasm support, rollup technologies like zkRollups or optimistic rollups will be able to leverage the aelf network as a settlement layer for executing solidity contracts. Overall, this integration will facilitate interoperability with other blockchain solutions, and will position the network as a versatile platform for decentralized application development and blockchain innovation.

2. Rollup Smart Contract in Solidity and C#: These contracts are designed to facilitate the operations of rollups on the network. In Rollups, the rollup contract and verifier contract play pivotal roles in ensuring the integrity and security of off-chain transactions. The rollup contract stores the updated state of the rollup or layer 2, maintaining a comprehensive record of network activity through a merkle tree structure.

   On the other hand, the verifier contract of zkRollup, deployed on the layer 1 blockchain, verifies the validity of zero-knowledge proofs submitted by the sequencer. This verification process is essential for validating transaction integrity and maintaining network security.

   By enforcing consensus rules and cryptographic verification, these contracts uphold the decentralized and transparent nature of the aelf's AEStack ecosystem. To cater to diverse development preferences and scenarios, we offer both Solidity and C# implementations.

3. AEStack Rollup Node: Constructed atop the foundational aelf layer 1 node, the AEStack rollup node leverages the aelf Virtual Machine (AVM) as its execution layer. It is designed to operate with aelf or alternative layer 1 blockchains, such as Ethereum, serving as the consensus and settlement layer. The AEStack’s architecture promotes versatility in selecting a data availability layer and is engineered as a rollup. Within this framework, the AVM is encapsulated in a zkWasm environment, enabling the generation of validity proofs to ensure transaction integrity. This will handle tasks such as transaction batching, proof submission, state transition management and synchronisation between interoperable chains.

4. Interoperability via RPC Adapters: To facilitate the AEStack-based interaction with other layer 1 blockchains, we are developing an RPC adapter. This adapter will enable seamless communication, allowing the AEStack running the AVM to utilize other blockchains like Ethereum for consensus and settlement purposes. Conversely, we will also provide adapters that translate EVM-based RPC calls to aelf RPC, ensuring smooth interoperability for rollups wishing to leverage the AEStack infrastructure.

By abstracting the complexities of protocol variations and network architectures, the RPC adaptor streamlines interactions, allowing layer 2 solutions to leverage AEStack's robust security, scalability, and consensus mechanisms. It also allows AEStack based rollups to utilise security, scalability and consensus of blockchains like Ethereum. This integration fosters a cohesive ecosystem where layer 2 platforms can seamlessly access the benefits of aelf's mainchain while preserving their unique functionalities and optimizations, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and utility of decentralized applications (DApps) and blockchain networks.

Integrating AI with AEStack

In the work of AEStack, we will leverage AI to achieve optimized designs and operations, including:

• Proof Generation Optimization: By analyzing transaction patterns and data, AI will improve the efficiency of proof generation algorithms of aelf's AEStack zkRollups, reducing computation time and transaction costs.

• Transaction Aggregation: By grouping together transactions with similar characteristics or dependencies, AI will minimize the number of proofs required, leading to further cost savings and scalability improvements.

• User Experience Enhancement: AI-powered recommendation systems will suggest optimal transaction fees for submitting transactions to a rollup based on current network conditions and user preferences, helping users make informed decisions.

• Dynamic Fee Estimation: AI algorithms will analyze historical transaction data and network congestion patterns to predict future transaction fees for AEStack's transactions.

Summary of AEStack

• aelf's AEStack offers a scalable and secure framework for processing transactions off-chain while ensuring compatibility and interoperability with existing layer 1 blockchains.

• By overcoming the challenges associated with rollups and leveraging aelf's infrastructure, AEStack contributes to the broader objective of blockchain scalability and widespread adoption.

• Adoption of aelf's AEStack yields several benefits, including enhanced transaction throughput, reduced costs, improved privacy via transaction aggregation using zero knowledge proofs or optimistic rollups, and greater accessibility for decentralized applications (dApps) and users.

• Seamless fund transfers from AEStack rollup to layer 1 are ensured, as exit transactions are executed promptly upon verification of the validity proof or fraud proof by the rollup contracts.