Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Glossary

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Relayer Network

1 min read
Pronunciation
[ree-lay-er net-wurk]
Analogy
A relayer network is like a peer-to-peer courier service where many independent couriers deliver packages across cities.
Definition
A decentralized group of nodes responsible for forwarding transactions, messages, or state transitions between protocols or layers.
Key Points Intro
Relayer networks power trustless communication in multi-chain and Layer 2 ecosystems.
Key Points

Decentralization: multiple nodes reduce single points of failure

Redundancy: overlapping coverage ensures liveness

Routing: efficient task assignment and load balancing

Stake-based security: nodes stake tokens to participate

Example
Optimism’s relayer network disseminates Layer 2 rollup proofs to Ethereum, with multiple independent operators competing to post batches.
Technical Deep Dive
Relayer nodes run dedicated daemon software subscribing to on-chain events, negotiate job assignments via peer-to-peer protocols (e.g., libp2p), and submit transactions using wallet SDKs. Monitoring and SLA frameworks track performance, and slashable staking contracts deter misbehavior.
Security Warning
Sybil attacks or collusion among relayers can degrade liveness or censor transactions.
Caveat
Network performance depends on geographic distribution and node uptime; poor coverage can introduce latency.
Related Terms
Relayer Incentive Model
Gossip Protocol
Layer 2

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