SOCKET's App-Gateway Design Overview

Key Components

• Gateway: The app-gateway is a lightweight, off-chain business logic component. It acts as the entry and exit point for application transactions, facilitating conversions of user requests from off-chain to on-chain actions. The gateway is typically hosted by Watcher service operators and allows developers to customize and write their own business logic. Importantly, it matches user requests with the correct responses to create cross-chain packets for execution1.
• Request: This is off-chain data signed by the user (using various formats like userOps, intents, or permits). The request is submitted to the application gateway1.
• Response: Off-chain actors, such as transmitters, submit signed responses, helping execute the user’s request on-chain. The gateway selects and combines the correct response with the request to form an actionable unit1.

The App-Gateway Workflow

1. Packet Creation:
   • Applications collect user requests and responses from off-chain actors.
   • The gateway evaluates these responses and forms a "Chain-Abstracted Packet" (CAP), which is the core data unit that facilitates cross-chain operations1.
2. Packet Execution:
   • Once the CAP is created and approved by the gateway, off-chain transmitters send the packet to the relevant networks, executing the transaction1.
3. Settlement/Finalization:
   • After execution, the gateway is notified that the transaction is complete, ensuring end-to-end tracking and reliability1.

Architecture Rationale

• Application-Centric Design: In SOCKET’s model, applications act as transaction gateways, shielding users from technical details across chains. All blockchain intricacies take place behind the scenes, providing a simple, app-focused experience1.
• Market of Off-Chain Actors: The gateway can select from multiple competing transmitters (off-chain actors) for executing transactions. This competition results in better performance, lower costs (through gasless and batched transactions), and incentivizes expansion to new ecosystems1.
• Security and Flexibility: Validation of each packet is managed by on-chain switchboards, ensuring transactions are secure, customizable in terms of cost and speed, and protected from negative externalities caused by intermediaries1.

Summary Table