Network Architecture
ZONA Protocol is architected for performance, modularity, and interoperability. At its core, ZONA integrates Ethereum compatibility, ZONA-style modularity, and a fast consensus layer enabling scalable and secure blockchain operations optimized for Web3 workloads.
1. ⚙️ Consensus Layer Proof-of-Authority (PoA)
ZONA uses a streamlined Proof-of-Authority (PoA) consensus built on Tendermint Core, enabling:
⏱️ Fast block times (5s)
✅ Instant finality (1s)
🔋 Low energy consumption
🧩 Validator-based trust model
PoA in ZONA relies on a curated set of trusted validators, balancing performance and decentralization with governance oversight.
2. 🧠 Execution Layer EVM-Compatible via Ethermint
The execution layer of ZONA is powered by Ethermint, making the network fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Supports Solidity-based contracts
Works with MetaMask, Remix, Hardhat, and Truffle
Seamless migration from Ethereum or other EVM chains
This enables developers to use existing Ethereum tooling without modification.
3. 🔗 Networking Layer IBC for Interoperability
ZONA includes native support for Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) enabling seamless token and message transfer with other IBC-compatible chains (e.g., ZONASDK networks).
🔄 Cross-chain token movement (ZONA ↔ ZONA, etc.)
🔐 Trustless interoperability
🚫 No wrapped assets required
ZONA also supports bridges with Ethereum and BNB Chain to expand its multichain ecosystem beyond IBC.
4. 🧱 Application Layer Modular SDK Framework
ZONA is built with a modular application stack inspired by ZONA SDK, allowing flexible customization of on-chain logic and governance mechanisms.
🛠️ Modules for staking, governance, slashing, bank, IBC, etc.
🔧 Easily extendable for custom dApps
🔄 Upgradeable logic via governance proposals
5. 📡 Interface Layer APIs & Client Access
ZONA provides multiple interfaces for node and client interaction:
JSON-RPC / Web3 API
gRPC endpoints
REST API for explorers & apps
CLI access via ZONA client
These interfaces ensure that developers, indexers, and wallets can integrate with ZONA easily.
🧬 Architecture Summary
Consensus
PoA (Tendermint Core)
Fast block production & finality
Execution
Ethermint (EVM)
Smart contract processing
Networking
IBC Protocol
Cross-chain communication
Application
Modular ZONA SDK
dApp logic and blockchain modules
Interface
Web3, REST, gRPC, CLI
External access and integration
ZONA’s architecture is designed to give developers power, flexibility, and composability while maintaining the speed, security, and multichain future that Web3 demands.
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