The Pulsechain bridge’s operation

As a stand-alone blockchain, PulseChain connects to other networks, such as Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain (BSC), via a bridge. The Pulsechain bridge serves as the primary point of entrance and departure for capital and is an essential component of the infrastructure. Its throughput, security, and dependability are crucial to the network’s success. Here, we examine it more closely and explain its operation.

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In what way is the Pulsecain Bridge built?

Between Pulsechain, the domestic network, and the foreign network—such as Ethereum or other EVM chains like BSC—a bridge is built. Operationally, the native portion of the bridge gathers validator confirmations.

A collection of smart contracts on the bridge are used to control bridge validators, gather signatures, and verify asset disposal and relay. While the bridge keeps an eye on balances and unprocessed events, a listener watches events and transmits transactions to approve asset transfers.

Tokens that are ERC-20 are locked on the foreign network and minted on the local network when they are transferred via a bridge. In the event of a reverse transfer, the tokens are unlocked on the foreign network and burnt on the local one.

Bridge management

Every bridge has a set of permits that carry out certain functions. Authorization and modification of additional duties can be done by the highest administrative authority. It is in charge of security on the bridge and renovations. Security is guaranteed via a multisignature for Pulsechain bridge administrators. To carry out an upgrade, a transaction requires the signatures of several parties. Typically, the validators take on the function of the signers in various bridges. When it comes to Pulsechain, signers are dispersed all across the globe. Their duties are distinct.

Its lowest responsibility is limited to managing bridge settings like as daily limits and min/max transactions, and validating bridge transactions. The biggest duty is given to the validators who oversee the upgrades and finances, while other validators are able to control the validator set.
Each network selects these validators, who demand a multisignature for each activity.

Pulsechain validators just listen for transfer requests on both sides, gather signatures, and validate relaying assets on both sides. They do not handle smart contracts in the bridge configuration. The account with the highest permission level is in charge of managing contracts.

Right now, transfers are free, but in the future, there could be a cost. By downloading a file, users may install the decentralized Pulsechain bridge interface on their computers. As an alternative, you may make advantage of Tokensex’s user-friendly third-party interface.

security of bridges

Bridges are a common target for hacker assaults due to their complexity and significant role in the ecosystem. Many vulnerabilities in the past were mostly related to the exploitation of smart contracts and centralized elements, such as validators or oracles, which might serve as single points of failure. Unauthorized transactions or asset theft may result from manipulation or disruption of the bridge as a whole if these centralized organizations are hacked.

Among the most well-known bridge hacks are the following:

Poly Network (2021):

A well-known hack targeted the cross-chain interoperability protocol Poly Network in 2021. The hackers were able to carry out a multi-chain assault by taking advantage of a flaw in the smart contract code. By taking over the bridge’s control features, the attackers were able to move assets across several blockchains.

2022’s Binance Smart Chain:

Another example was a security compromise that occurred in 2022 on a well-known blockchain bridge that was linked to the Binance Smart Chain. By taking advantage of a weakness in the oracle system, the attackers were able to manipulate price feeds and start illegal transactions on the bridge.

A comprehensive audit of the smart contracts is essential. Blockchain bridges must have redundant components and be decentralized to improve security. By dividing up control tasks across several validators or nodes, the likelihood of a single point of failure is decreased, and the possible consequences of a security breach are constrained.

The Omnibridge open source technology, which runs on many networks and has undergone various security company audits, is the foundation of the Pulsechain Bridge. Since its inauguration in May 2023, it has operated without a hitch. Over $3 million was moved from Pulsechain to Ethereum while over $77 million was moved from Ethereum to Pulsechain.