The Ronin Network powers other popular blockchain games, including Axie Infinity. It has now taken a significant step to improve its security. It has added Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to secure its bridge. This transition is a huge quality of life improvement for the end user and developer alike. The goal is to deliver a safer, more stable, and consistent platform. For those of us on the frontline in the Web3 space, this is a huge step towards innovation. So, what does this all mean for Ronin and its players?

Why Chainlink CCIP?

Joinronin’s mission is to become the most accessible and secure gaming & consumer chain within web3. To do so, they required a strong cross-chain solution. After a highly competitive and rigorous selection process, Chainlink’s CCIP was named the winner. The decision wasn't taken lightly. Ronin ran a comprehensive three-phase assessment, including Chainlink in head-to-head comparisons vs. other top solutions such as LayerZero and Axelar. Chainlink came out on top, winning handily in the end with 10 votes to LayerZero’s 3 and Axelar’s 0. The process of casting the validator votes demonstrated widespread inclination toward Chainlink’s approach.

The most secure cross-chain communication todayThis resounding success was made possible by several key factors. It connects several Decentralized Oracle Networks (DONs) to an independent Risk Management Network, provides trustworthy node operators, and features additional security protections including rate limiting and timelocked upgrades.With this new integration of Chainlink CCIP, a better connected world for the Ronin Network begins. This chapter points in the direction of improving security and reliability .

This decision should come as no surprise given Ronin’s dedication to offering the safest and most intuitive ecosystem to their community. By selecting Chainlink, Ronin is making a smart technology improvement. By making this decision, it fosters long-term trust and confidence from its users and developers.

The Power of Chainlink CCIP

It comes down to four main components in tandem to form the most secure, robust cross-chain solution available today.

Decentralized Oracle Networks (DONs)

Chainlink’s consensus layer is secured by Decentralized Oracle Networks (DONs). These DONs offer a decentralized and permissionless, secure middleware infrastructure to facilitate complex cross-chain transactions. Now, picture that same team but made up of independent reporters. They coordinate closely with each other to corroborate the same information, which helps assure accuracy and guard against fraud.

Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP)

Chainlink’s CCIP is an industry-leading, highly secure bridging solution powering seamless cross-chain transactions from Ronin to other chains. This interoperability protocol is the connective tissue that enables secure, decentralized trading of data and value across multiple blockchain networks.

Distribution Among Independent Node Operators

CCIP removes single points of failure by distributing risky transactions across a decentralized network of independent node operators. This goes a long way toward making it truly harder for hackers to breach the system. It’s kind of like adding more locks to a door – the more locks you add, the more difficult it is to breach.

Decentralized Authentication and Execution of Cross-Chain Transactions

Chainlink’s DONs authenticate and execute cross-chain transactions, verifying that transactions and resources are valid and secure before sending them to the desired location. This means that every transaction is verified by multiple independent sources before it's finalized, adding an extra layer of security.

Cross-Chain Token (CCT) Standard

CCIP makes it easy to transfer tokens across various chains using the common CCT standard. This allows new and existing tokens to become instantly cross-chain transferable without forcing vendor lock-in upon token issuers. This powerful standardization helps developers to navigate the macro challenges of building cross-chain applications.

Chainlink CCIP's Security Features

CCIP doesn’t just claim to be secure. Their security practices walk the walk. It provides Level-5 cross-chain security, the maximum level possible for any cross-chain solution. Here's how:

Client Diversity

CCIP brings in client diversity, an important part of getting a high level of cross-chain security. This requires the system to have many diverse software implementations that verify a transaction on their own. If one of the implementations has an implementation bug, the other three can still catch it, avoiding the execution of a possible exploit.

Lock-and-Mint and Burn-and-Mint Programs

The protocol utilizes two main methods for moving tokens across chains: the Lock-and-Mint Program and the Burn-and-Mint Program. In Lock-and-Mint, you lock tokens on the origin chain. Next, new tokens are created on the destination chain. In this Burn-and-Mint program, we actually burn the tokens on the origin chain. Next, we mint new tokens on the destination chain. Both approaches accomplish the goal of keeping total token supply consistent among chains.

Risk Management Network

CCIP has an additional independent active risk management layer, the Risk Management Network. This is the very different network that detects and responds to emerging threats and dangers. If the Risk Management Network identifies a risk, it can freeze transactions in order to avoid harm.

Codebase Diversity

These two interrelated networks form the foundation of the transactional DONs —Committing DON and Executing DON—and the Risk Management Network. They were developed with very different codebases and programming languages, Rust for one and Go for the other. This greatly diminishes the risk of one bug taking down the whole system.

How This Impacts Ronin Users and Developers

As you can see, the integration of Chainlink CCIP means many things for users and developers on the Ronin Network.

For Users

  • Increased Security: The most obvious benefit is increased security. Users can now bridge their assets with greater confidence, knowing that their transactions are protected by Chainlink's robust security measures.
  • Reliable Transactions: CCIP's decentralized nature ensures more reliable transactions, reducing the risk of downtime or disruptions.
  • Seamless Experience: The CCT standard simplifies cross-chain token transfers, making it easier for users to move their assets between Ronin and other chains.

For Developers

  • Streamlined Access to Secure Bridging: Developers building games and decentralized applications on Ronin will have streamlined access to a secure, high-throughput bridging solution.
  • Cross-Chain Infrastructure: Developers get cross-chain infrastructure to build fast and secure applications.
  • Innovation: With a secure and reliable bridging solution in place, developers can focus on building innovative new applications that take advantage of the interoperability between different blockchain networks.

Validator Voting: Ensuring Consensus

Validators are an important line of defense in keeping the Ronin Network secure. They engage in consensus by voting on key parameters and decisions about the network. Here's a closer look at the validator vote process:

Fork Resolution

Fork resolution is achieved through validator voting. A fork is simply a divergence in the blockchain, when different nodes spread differing versions of the blockchain. On the chosen fork with most votes (66% of stake weight) that fork is finalized and all others are orphaned.

Staying in Sync

Several mechanisms have been developed for ensuring that validators remain in sync with the rest of the network. This keeps them from getting out too far in front. When a validator determines it is too far ahead of the network consensus (e.g., more than 8 slots ahead), it temporarily ceases voting. The validator resumes normal voting as soon as it crosses the mostly confirmed threshold, such as 55% of the stake weight. It restarts voting with strong confirmation at 66% of the stake weight.

Ronin's Migration and Future

Ronin has already successfully migrated $450 million in total value locked (TVL) from its previous Ronin Bridge. Now, it’s using Chainlink CCIP to power even more efficient operations. It shows the security and scalability of the solution. For developers building on Ronin, this translates to easy integration of safe, easy bridging solutions for dApps and blockchain-based games.

This integration of Chainlink CCIP marks another big milestone as it shows the growth and maturity of the Ronin Network. It would further signify a promise to safety, security, reliability, and innovation. With a safe and convenient platform in place, Ronin could be on track to become the go-to ecosystem for users and developers. This collaboration further bolsters Ronin’s security measures. Beyond that, it sets a new precedent for the standard of cross-chain security within the blockchain gaming space.

The future is bright for Ronin, and Chainlink CCIP is helping to ensure that future continuing to grow and expand.