Bryan Pellegrino: Xero’s unified blockchain system eliminates layer separation, misconceptions about layer two security, and the game-changing potential of zk technology | Empire

Key takeaways

• Xero operates as a unified blockchain system, eliminating the need for separate entities managing different layers.
• LayerZero Labs has delved deeper into various virtual machines and architectures than any other group.
• Layer twos do not inherit the security of layer ones, contrary to common belief in the industry.
• The future of blockchain technology involves a unified system ensuring trustless community interactions.
• Chains prioritize assets over the infrastructure that connects them, shifting focus from service providers.
• The introduction of Layer Zero technology is expected to advance the blockchain industry’s roadmap significantly.
• Centralization in blockchain expansion is counterproductive to the goal of decentralization.
• Zk technology eliminates replication, enhancing blockchain efficiency by reducing redundant validator work.
• LayerZero Labs achieved a throughput of 2,000,000 transactions per second, setting a new benchmark for blockchain performance.
• Current zk technology focuses more on solving Ethereum’s scalability issues than achieving high throughput.
• Ethereum aims to achieve 10,000 transactions per second by 2035, indicating a long-term scalability plan.
• Separating execution from verification is crucial for performance improvements in blockchain technology.
• The inefficiencies in blockchain arise from every node needing to download all transactions and perform the same computations.
• Zero-knowledge proofs serve primarily as a method of data compression in blockchain systems.
• The heterogeneous architecture allows for larger nodes to handle heavy lifting, enabling millions of transactions per second.

Guest intro

Bryan Pellegrino is the co-founder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, an interoperability protocol enabling seamless communication and asset transfers across blockchains. He previously co-founded OpenToken, a platform that allowed users to launch their own tokens. With LayerZero, he pioneered a messaging layer that has processed billions in volume and achieved breakthroughs like Zero for 100x blockchain performance gains.

The significance of a unified blockchain system

• Xero operates as a unified blockchain system without separate entities managing different layers. “The big unlock with Xero is that everything is part of the same system.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This approach contrasts with traditional multi-layered blockchain architectures, offering a more integrated solution.
• The unified system ensures that all components are owned by the same chain, enhancing security and efficiency.
• “There is no separate entity that’s deploying a layer two or owning any part of the stack.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This architecture reduces complexity and potential vulnerabilities associated with multi-layered systems.
• The unified approach is expected to reshape community interactions and trust mechanisms in blockchain technology.
• “The underlying beacon change should own all of these things; it should be one hundred percent one system.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This innovation positions Xero as a unique player in the blockchain market, offering a distinct competitive advantage.

Expertise in virtual machines and architectures

• LayerZero Labs has explored various virtual machines and architectures more deeply than any other group.
• “I don’t know that there’s another group in the world who’s gone as deep in every different VM and architecture as we have.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This depth of knowledge sets LayerZero Labs apart in the competitive blockchain development landscape.
• Their expertise allows them to navigate complex blockchain environments effectively.
• This comprehensive understanding is crucial for developing innovative blockchain solutions.
• The organization’s unique position highlights its leadership in blockchain technology advancements.
• This expertise is expected to drive further innovation and development in the blockchain space.
• “We’ve been building privacy for five years.” – Bryan Pellegrino

Misconceptions about layer two security

• There’s a common misconception that layer twos inherit the security of layer ones.
• “He was complaining like every day about the state of the world and the Ethereum basically saying layer twos inherit the security of the layer one.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This belief is fundamentally incorrect, as layer twos do not automatically inherit layer one’s security.
• Understanding the security models of layer one and layer two architectures is essential for accurate risk assessment.
• This misconception can lead to overestimating the security of layer two solutions.
• Addressing this misunderstanding is crucial for informed decision-making in blockchain investments.
• “That’s just like fundamentally not true.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This insight provides a critical perspective on security assumptions in the blockchain community.

Strategic shifts in blockchain focus

• Chains prioritize assets over relationships with service providers.
• “They want the assets and so we just build and do what’s best for the assets.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This shift in focus reflects a deeper understanding of customer needs in the blockchain ecosystem.
• The decision to pivot to launching their own layer one was driven by this insight.
• Understanding the dynamics between blockchain networks and the assets they support is crucial.
• This strategic shift is essential for navigating the competitive landscape in blockchain.
• “What the chains want is they want the assets.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This approach emphasizes the importance of assets over the chains themselves in the blockchain ecosystem.

Advancements in zk technology

• Zk technology eliminates replication, allowing for a more efficient blockchain by reducing redundant validator work.
• “We also saw what was special about zk, which was the elimination of replication.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This advancement enhances blockchain scalability and performance.
• The elimination of replication reduces the need for multiple validators to perform the same work.
• This efficiency is a key technical advantage of zk technology in blockchain.
• “That’s the expensive part of a blockchain.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This innovation positions zk technology as a critical component in improving blockchain systems.
• Understanding zk technology and its role in blockchain efficiency is essential for stakeholders.

High throughput achievements

• LayerZero Labs achieved a throughput of 2,000,000 transactions per second.
• “We just blew that away; we’re like 2,000,000 TPS.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This sets a new benchmark for blockchain performance, indicating a major advancement.
• Achieving high transaction throughput is crucial for blockchain scalability.
• This accomplishment demonstrates LayerZero Labs’ leadership in blockchain technology.
• Understanding current blockchain performance metrics highlights the significance of this achievement.
• This breakthrough is expected to drive further innovation in blockchain systems.
• “That’s a new benchmark.” – Bryan Pellegrino

The future of blockchain scalability

• Current zk technology focuses more on solving Ethereum’s scalability issues than achieving high throughput.
• “They’re actually trying to solve Ethereum’s problems, which is like 15 TPS.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• Ethereum aims to achieve 10,000 transactions per second by 2035.
• “2035 they hope to hit sort of 10,000 transactions per second.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• Separating execution from verification is crucial for performance improvements in blockchain technology.
• “There’s always a trade-off in crypto.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• Understanding the scalability trilemma is essential for evaluating blockchain architectures.
• These insights highlight the ongoing efforts to improve blockchain scalability and efficiency.

The role of zero-knowledge proofs

• Zero-knowledge proofs serve primarily as a method of data compression in blockchain systems.
• “Zk is really all zk is for the most part is compression.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This advancement enhances efficiency by reducing the amount of data that needs to be processed.
• Zero-knowledge proofs are a significant technical advancement in blockchain technology.
• Understanding their application is crucial for stakeholders in the blockchain space.
• This insight highlights the potential of zero-knowledge proofs to improve blockchain systems.
• “That’s like one of the largest unlocks.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This technology is expected to play a critical role in the future of blockchain development.

Institutional perspectives on blockchain

• Institutional feedback indicates that blockchain technologies now meet their scalability and throughput needs.
• “The feedback from a lot of the institutions was we didn’t think that this was possible and now it is.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• This advancement is a significant unlock for institutions, facilitating broader adoption.
• Understanding institutional perspectives on blockchain scalability is crucial for industry stakeholders.
• This insight highlights the growing alignment between blockchain technology and institutional requirements.
• This alignment is expected to drive further integration of blockchain solutions in traditional finance.
• “That’s a huge unlock for them.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• These developments underscore the importance of meeting institutional needs for blockchain adoption.

The impact of AI on engineering

• AI can significantly enhance the productivity of engineers, but it requires careful oversight and iteration.
• “You can have AI do everything for you and they’ll just create junk.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• AI has the potential to raise the overall skill level of engineers within an organization.
• “Every engineer will get better.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• Veteran engineers need to adapt to using AI rather than relying solely on their experience.
• “That’s not where things are going.” – Bryan Pellegrino
• Understanding the role of AI in engineering is crucial for maximizing its benefits.
• This insight highlights the necessity of human involvement in AI processes, emphasizing quality control.