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Light Node Verification via Stochastic Sampling of Proofs

LayerEdge provides a scalable and secure method to verify large sets of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs sourced from a variety of blockchain environments and off-chain platforms. These sources include:

  • Bitcoin Layer 2 (BTC-L2): Off-chain solutions providing proofs of correct off-chain transaction batches
  • Data Availability (DA) Layers: Ensuring that published data is available and verifiable
  • AI Chains: Producing proofs of model inference correctness and AI computations
  • Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePin) Networks: Attesting to the authenticity and correctness of sensor data, resource allocation, and other physical-world measurements
  • Real-World Asset (RWA) Platforms: Proving that tokenized assets correctly represent and comply with real-world equivalents

Aggregation and Anchoring​

Proof Aggregation​

  • Suppose we have a collection of proofs: π₁, π₂, …, π_N
  • LayerEdge uses a binary aggregation operation (⊕) to combine them: π_root = π₁ ⊕ π₂ ⊕ … ⊕ π_N
  • This "root proof" succinctly represents the correctness of all underlying proofs

Anchoring on Bitcoin​

  • The hash of the root proof, H(π_root), is included in a Bitcoin transaction
  • This creates a tamper-evident reference, using Bitcoin's robust security and immutability as a neutral settlement layer

Light Node Stochastic Sampling of Proofs​

  • Let M be the total number of nodes (individual and aggregated proofs) in the proof structure
  • Each Light Node stochastically selects one node and verifies its proof πk:V(πk)=Trueπ^k: V(π^k) = True if valid, False if invalid
  • If V(π^k) = False, the Light Node broadcasts an alert, exposing any fraudulent proofs

Security Through Probability​

  • Probability a single Light Node detects a given invalid node: 1/M1/M
  • With L Light Nodes verifying independently: Probability no detection = (1−1/M)L≈e−L/M(1 - 1/M)^L ≈ e^{-L/M}
  • As L increases, the chance of undetected fraud becomes negligible, ensuring a high level of security

Incentivizing Light Nodes​

Light Nodes provide a valuable verification service. To sustain their efforts:

  • LayerEdge rewards them with its own tokens
  • Clients of LayerEdge (BTC-L2, DA, AI, DePin, RWA) also contribute tokens as they benefit from reliable verification

This creates an economic incentive for continuous, honest participation, ensuring the long-term integrity of the network.

Key Advantages​

  • Scalability: Each Light Node verifies only one randomly chosen proof node, minimizing computational load
  • Trust Minimization: By relying on stochastic sampling and Bitcoin anchoring, trust in any single entity is reduced
  • Economic Sustainability: Token incentives ensure a long-term, stable population of verifiers
  • Interoperability: Compatible with multiple ZK-proof systems and various blockchain ecosystems

Conclusion​

By combining proof aggregation, Bitcoin anchoring, stochastic sampling of proofs by Light Nodes, and a robust incentive model, LayerEdge achieves a scalable, secure, and economically sustainable verification layer for large sets of ZK proofs. This design ensures broad coverage, strong security guarantees, and continuous incentive-aligned participation, fostering a trustworthy and efficient multi-chain ecosystem.