Peter Jang
November 21, 2024 17:15
Learn how intent-based applications can overcome Ethereum’s fragmentation challenges, with a focus on composability and a unified ecosystem through standards like ERC-7683 and low-latency networks.
Intent-based applications are poised to change the way users interact with the Ethereum blockchain. However, these applications run the risk of creating fragmented “walled gardens” where each operates independently. According to EigenLayer Research, maximizing the potential of these applications requires a shift toward interconnected “invisible gardens.”
The problem of fragmentation
Intent-based applications such as CoW Swap, UniswapX, etc. provide an inherently user-centric and platform-agnostic approach. However, the infrastructure that supports these intentions is often limited to each application, leading to fragmentation. This is especially evident in how CoW Swap manages a centralized order book that, while functional, presents potential points of failure or censorship.
Modular intent stack
To overcome these challenges, a modular intent stack is proposed, consisting of three components: representation, propagation, and selection. This stack aims to ensure seamless integration across applications by guiding intents from the user’s wallet to execution.
ERC-7683 and cross-chain intent
ERC-7683, a cross-chain intent standard proposed by Across and Uniswap Labs, provides a unified approach to intent sharing. By establishing common requirements for cross-chain intent, this standard promotes seamless solver integration across platforms and improves the resilience and competitiveness of the solver network.
IntentPool and Decentralized Networks
Beyond centralized databases, the intent pool concept involves using low-latency data availability networks such as EigenDA to store and propagate intents. This approach ensures censorship resistance and fast access, which is important for decentralized intent execution.
Solving Infrastructure Challenges: Auction AVS
To fully realize distributed intent-based applications, a fair and transparent way to select solvers is essential. Auction AVS provides a censorship-resistant mechanism for conducting auctions, ensuring that the best solver bid is selected without centralized oversight.
These innovative solutions will enable the Ethereum ecosystem to transform from a fragmented application to a unified, interoperable network that unlocks the full potential of intent-based interactions.
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