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Token Bridge Overview＃

The Token Bridge is a Wormhole module for bridging wrapped tokens across various blockchain networks. Locking assets on one network and minting corresponding wrapped tokens on another facilitates secure, efficient, and composable multichain token movement.

This overview covers Token Bridge's main features, general processes, and possible next steps to begin building a cross-chain application.

Key Features＃

Token Bridge is built to solve interoperability problems in multichain token transfers. Key features include:

  • Interoperability: Transfer standards-compliant tokens (e.g., ERC-20, SPL) across over 30 supported chains.
  • Lock-and-mint mechanism: Mint wrapped tokens backed 1:1 by locked assets on the source chain.
  • Preserved metadata: Ensure that token properties like name, symbol, and decimals persist across chains.
  • Transfer with payload: Attach arbitrary data to token transfers, enabling the triggering of specific actions.
  • Decentralized security: Verified by the Guardian Network, ensuring cross-chain consistency and message authenticity.

How It Works＃

The Token Bridge provides a reliable foundation for multichain interoperability at scale. The transfer process follows these key steps:

  1. Attestation: The token’s metadata (e.g., symbol, name, decimals) is registered on the destination chain. This step is only required once per token.
  2. Locking: On the source chain, the native token is locked in a custody account.
  3. Message emission: The Guardian Network verifies and emits a VAA.
  4. Verification: The VAA is submitted and verified on the destination chain to confirm authenticity.
  5. Minting: A wrapped version of the token is minted (or the native token is released) to the recipient on the destination chain.

This diagram showcases a simplified flow of Alice bridging ETH from Ethereum to her account on Solana.

sequenceDiagram
    participant Alice
    participant Ethereum
    participant GuardianNetwork
    participant Solana

    Alice->>Ethereum: Lock ETH in Token Bridge contract
    Ethereum->>GuardianNetwork: Emit transfer message
    GuardianNetwork->>GuardianNetwork: Verify and sign message

    GuardianNetwork->>Solana: Submit signed message
    Solana->>Solana: Verify message and mint wrapped ETH (WETH)

    Solana->>Alice: Deliver wrapped ETH on Solana

For a more in-depth understanding of how the Token Bridge works, see the Flow of a Transfer page.

Use Cases＃

Here are key use cases that highlight the power and versatility of the Token Bridge.

  • Multichain Rewards and Token Utility in Decentralized Platforms (e.g., Chingari)

    • Token Bridge: Transfer tokens between chains.
    • Messaging: Facilitate the distribution and claiming processes of rewards.

  • Tokenized Gaming Rewards

    • Token Bridge: Handle the underlying lock-and-mint logic securely.
    • Connect: Provide a user-friendly way to move game tokens across chains.

  • Multichain DeFi Arbitrage

    • Token Bridge: Enables rapid and secure movement of DeFi assets.
    • Connect: Provides a UI widget to onboard users and facilitate seamless multichain swaps within DeFi aggregator platforms.

Next Steps＃

If you are looking for more guided practice, take a look at: