Swellchain, a restaking-powered network built on the OP Stack, represents a significant evolution in Ethereum's Layer 2 scaling landscape. Rather than simply expanding blockspace, we introduce a purpose-built Layer 2 solution designed specifically for Liquid Restaked Tokens (LRTs).
Specialized Blockspace: A New Scaling Paradigm
Traditional Layer 2 solutions focus on increasing raw transaction throughput. Swellchain introduces a different approach: specialized blockspace optimization for restaking operations. Instead of competing in general-purpose computation, Swellchain creates a dedicated infrastructure for LRT-specific transactions and state management.
This specialization manifests in three key areas:
- Network Architecture
- Infrastructure Integration
- Economic Design/Proof-of-Restake
This post will explore each of these areas in detail and enable you to build on Swellchain. But first lets recap the vision and mission of Swellchain:
Mission & Vision of Swellchain
Current chain scaling solutions face a critical challenge: while increasing throughput by adding more blocks creates additional capacity, it fails to address specialized use cases efficiently. Swellchain challenges this approach by creating an ecosystem optimized for LRT operations, focusing on purpose-built infrastructure rather than general-purpose computation.
Swellchain is an optimistic Rollup hosted by AltLayers RaaS, and is fully integrated into the Optimism Superchain. Swellchain's alternative Proof of Restake mechanism allows LRT holders to maximize returns while maintaining security - we're aiming for no less than being the most value-generating environment for LRTs.
Technical Architecture
Swellchain implements a multi-layered architecture that combines Optimism's proven infrastructure with advanced restaking mechanisms. The network leverages the OP Stack for core functionality while introducing specialized components for LRT operations. Through integration with AltLayer's AVS services (MACH, VITAL, and SQUAD; we will go into detail in a bit), Swellchain achieves sub-10 second finality, decentralized verification, and distributed transaction sequencing - all secured through EigenLayer's restaking mechanism. Swellchain delegates consensus to the canonical chain while maintaining a parallel network optimized for restaking operations, reducing overhead from general-purpose computation that typical L2s must handle.
Core Components
Swellchain's architecture consists of two primary layers: the foundational OP Stack integration that provides core rollup functionality, and a specialized restaking infrastructure layer that enables unique LRT capabilities. These components work in concert to deliver both scalability and purpose-built features for LRT operations.
1. OP Stack Integration
- Inherits Optimism's battle-tested codebase
- Leverages shared protocol upgrades and security
- Uses ETH as the native gas token
- Benefits from Superchain interoperability
2. Restaking Infrastructure
The network integrates three purpose-built AltLayer Actively Validated Service (AVS) that form a complete restaking infrastructure stack. An AVS is a specialized middleware network that performs specific validation tasks while being secured by restaked ETH through EigenLayer:
VITAL AVS: Handles state verification through fraud/ZK proofs
SQUAD AVS: Enables decentralized transaction sequencing
Proof of Restake: A New Security Paradigm
Proof of Restake (PoR) represents a new security and yield generation mechanism.
The mechanism works through a sophisticated flywheel that connects staking, security, revenue, and ecosystem growth into a self-reinforcing cycle:
1. Asset Staking and Tokenization
- Users stake assets into Swellchain
- Receive liquid restaked tokens (LRTs) in return
- Maintain liquidity while securing infrastructure
2. Infrastructure Security
- Restaked assets to secure network services
- Validators, relayers, and sequencers leverage staked assets
- Creates multiple yield-generating opportunities
3. Revenue Distribution
- Transaction fees
- Sequencer fees
- Infrastructure service fees
- All cascade to restaking yield
- (and exposure to different incentives *wink wink*)
4. Ecosystem Growth
- Deeper liquidity pools
- Enhanced security through increased stake
- Attracts more builders and users
This flywheel mechanism creates a cycle where increased participation strengthens network security, which in turn attracts more users and generates higher yields, further incentivizing participation. The result is a self-reinforcing system that aligns the interests of all participants while maximizing capital efficiency.
Build on Swellchain
Swellchain's development environment combines OP Stack's familiar tooling with specialized infrastructure for LRT operations. This section provides a complete technical implementation guide, from initial network configuration to advanced restaking integrations. Each component includes working code examples and architectural considerations for production deployments.
Why Build on Swellchain?
Swellchain's architecture provides specific technical advantages for LRT-focused applications:
Purpose-Built Infrastructure
Through Proof of Restake, Swellchain will delegate consensus to Ethereum, and incorporate AVS protocols secured by Swell assets to create differentiated block space at the Rollup level. The resulting infrastructure will be both secured by LRTs and exclusively specialized for accommodating LRT operations.Swellchain's architecture focuses exclusively on LRT operations, providing specialized infrastructure for restaking transactions and token management.
Superchain Integration
As part of the OP Stack ecosystem, Swellchain inherits Optimism's security guarantees and cross-chain capabilities. Applications can interact seamlessly with other Superchain protocols while maintaining Ethereum's security properties. This opens up a whole new way to create LRT based applications.
Technical Architecture
Swellchain combines standard L2 cost benefits with the previously mentioned MACH AVS integration for accelerated transaction finality. The Superchain's native bridging infrastructure enables efficient asset transfers between connected networks.
Ecosystem Access
Developers gain immediate access to an LRT-focused user base and existing DeFi protocols. The specialized nature of Swellchain creates natural integration opportunities with established restaking protocols. We’re aiming to become THE restaking hub for the superchain.
Developer Resources
We plan to introduce ecosystem funding initiatives to support builders creating LRT-focused applications. More on this in a later post.
Network Configuration
To interact with Swellchain, you need to add the following networks to your wallet:
Mainnet:
Chain Name: Swellchain
Chain ID: 1923
RPC URL: https://swell-mainnet.alt.technology
Block Explorer: https://explorer.swellnetwork.io
Testnet:
Chain Name: Swellchain Testnet
Chain ID: 1924
RPC URL: https://swell-mainnet.alt.technology
Block Explorer: https://explorer.swellnetwork.io
The networks can also be added through ChainList.
Developer Infrastructure
Swellchain provides multiple integration points for developers building LRT applications.
Bridge Infrastructure:
Use the Swell Bridge to bridge assets between Ethereum and Swellchain: https://superbridge.swellnetwork.io/
The Standard Bridge contract enables asset transfers between Ethereum and Swellchain through a lock-and-mint mechanism. The addresses of the bridge, token contracts, and a more technical approach can be found in the Developer Docs: Contract Addresses
The network implements a robust bridging system through the Standard Bridge contract, enabling:
- ETH transfers
- ERC20 token bridging
- Fast L1→L2 transfers (1-3 minutes)
- Secure L2→L1 transfers (7-day challenge period)
RPC Endpoints
To connect to Swellchain, you can use the following RPC providers:
AltLayer RPC:
- Mainnet: https://swell-mainnet.alt.technology
- Testnet: https://swell-testnet.alt.technology
More information: AltLayer Docs
Ankr RPC
- Mainnet: https://rpc.ankr.com/swell
- Testnet: https://rpc.ankr.com/swell-testnet
More information: Ankr Docs
Development Tools
If you want to build on Swellchain, visit our Docs (https://build.swellnetwork.io), where you can find everything you need to get started.
- Block Explorer: explorer.swellnetwork.io
- Bridge Interface: superbridge.swellnetwork.io
- Network Status: https://swell-mainnet-status.alt.technology
Get in touch
If you’re interested in building on Swellchain or would like to chat to the team, please fill out this quick form.