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Relay Bridge

1 min read
Pronunciation
[ree-lay brij]
Analogy
A relay bridge is like a courier carrying sealed packages between two separate island communities, verifying contents at each end.
Definition
A cross-chain mechanism that forwards cryptographic proofs and messages between distinct blockchain networks to enable asset transfers and interoperability.
Key Points Intro
Relay bridges facilitate trust-minimized cross-chain communication.
Key Points

Proof relay: forwards Merkle proofs or light-client headers

Finality assumptions: ensures source-chain finality before relay

Atomicity limits: may not guarantee atomic cross-chain swaps

Security model: depends on relayer honesty and light-client integrity

Example
An Ethereum–Polkadot relay bridge watches Ethereum block headers and submits them to a Polkadot parachain light-client module, enabling token locking and minting of wrapped assets.
Technical Deep Dive
Relayer nodes subscribe to source-chain events via RPC/WebSocket, construct inclusion proofs (e.g., Merkle proofs), and batch relay transactions to destination-chain light-client contracts. Gas economics incentivize timely relays. Contracts enforce finality thresholds to avoid forks.
Security Warning
Single-relayer setups or incorrect finality parameters can enable fraudulent proofs and unauthorized asset transfers.
Caveat
Bridge security is often weaker than underlying chains; users must assess trust assumptions and potential attack vectors.
Related Terms
Wrapped Token
Validator

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