Bridgeless Transactions (IBC)
Cross-chain communication and interoperability using IBC v2 and IBC Classic for seamless blockchain integration, token transfers, and interchain account management
Bridgeless Transactions with IBC
Scope
This document covers Sonr's implementation of the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) Protocol for cross-chain interoperability. It includes IBC Classic and IBC v2 support, token transfers, interchain accounts, and Vault integration. This document does not cover low-level protocol implementation details—see the IBC module reference for technical specifications.
Audience
Developers building cross-chain applications. System architects designing interoperable systems. Validators operating IBC infrastructure. Prerequisites: Understanding of blockchain fundamentals, basic knowledge of cross-chain concepts, and familiarity with Cosmos SDK.
Summary
Sonr implements the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) Protocol for secure cross-chain operations. The system supports both IBC Classic (current standard) and IBC v2 (launching March 2025). Vaults abstract IBC complexity, enabling simple APIs for token transfers, interchain accounts, and cross-chain DeFi. All operations use light client verification for trust-minimized security.
IBC Architecture
Protocol Overview
IBC enables secure communication between independent blockchains:
- Light Client Verification: Cryptographic proofs verify remote chain states
- Packet Routing: Ordered message delivery between chains
- Application Layer: Standardized protocols for transfers and accounts
- Relayer Network: Decentralized infrastructure for packet delivery
Sonr Implementation
Sonr integrates IBC at multiple levels:
User Interface
↓
Vault Abstraction
↓
IBC Router
↓
┌─────────────┬────────────────┬──────────────┐
│ Transfer │ Interchain │ Custom │
│ Module │ Accounts │ Apps │
└─────────────┴────────────────┴──────────────┘
↓
Light Client Verification
↓
Connected Blockchains
Token Transfers
ICS-20 Implementation
Sonr implements the ICS-20 standard for fungible token transfers:
// Simple cross-chain transfer via Vault
const transfer = await vault.transfer({
amount: "100",
denom: "USDC",
destination: {
chain: "osmosis-1",
address: "osmo1abc...",
},
timeout: "10m",
});
The Vault handles:
- Route selection (direct or multi-hop)
- Fee calculation and optimization
- Timeout management
- Error handling and retries
Denomination Management
IBC creates unique denominations for transferred tokens:
// Query token information
const tokenInfo = await vault.getTokenInfo("ibc/27394FB...");
// Returns:
{
"originalDenom": "uatom",
"displayName": "ATOM",
"sourceChain": "cosmoshub-4",
"path": "transfer/channel-0/uatom",
"verified": true
}
Multi-Hop Routing
Vaults optimize transfers through intelligent routing:
// Calculate optimal route
const route = await vault.calculateRoute({
from: "sonr-mainnet",
to: "ethereum",
token: "USDC",
amount: "1000",
});
// Route selection based on:
// - Total fees
// - Transfer time
// - Liquidity availability
// - Success rates
Interchain Accounts
Account Registration
Create accounts on remote chains:
// Register interchain account
const icaAccount = await vault.createInterchainAccount({
hostChain: "osmosis-1",
purpose: "defi-operations",
});
Remote Execution
Execute transactions on other chains:
// Swap tokens on Osmosis
const swapTx = await vault.executeRemote({
account: icaAccount,
messages: [
{
typeUrl: "/osmosis.poolmanager.v1beta1.MsgSwapExactAmountIn",
value: {
sender: icaAccount.address,
routes: [{ poolId: "1", tokenOutDenom: "uosmo" }],
tokenIn: { denom: "ibc/USDC", amount: "1000000" },
tokenOutMinAmount: "950000",
},
},
],
});
Cross-Chain Strategies
Automate complex DeFi operations:
// Create automated strategy
const strategy = await vault.createStrategy({
name: "Liquidity Provision",
chains: ["sonr-mainnet", "osmosis-1"],
steps: [
{
action: "transfer",
from: "sonr-mainnet",
to: "osmosis-1",
token: "USDC",
amount: "5000",
},
{
action: "provide-liquidity",
chain: "osmosis-1",
pool: "USDC/OSMO",
amount: "5000",
},
],
automation: {
rebalance: "weekly",
compoundRewards: true,
},
});
Security Model
Light Client Verification
All IBC operations use cryptographic verification:
// Verify remote chain state
func (k Keeper) VerifyMembership(
ctx sdk.Context,
clientID string,
height exported.Height,
proof []byte,
path exported.Path,
value []byte,
) error {
clientState := k.clientKeeper.GetClientState(ctx, clientID)
return clientState.VerifyMembership(
ctx, k.cdc, clientStore, height, proof, path, value)
}
Authorization Framework
UCAN-based permissions for IBC operations:
// Request IBC capabilities
const capability = await vault.requestCapability({
action: "ibc/transfer",
constraints: {
maxAmount: "10000",
allowedChains: ["osmosis-1", "cosmoshub-4"],
allowedTokens: ["USDC", "ATOM"],
expiresAt: Date.now() + 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000,
},
});
Timeout Handling
Prevent stuck transactions with intelligent timeouts:
// Configure timeout strategy
const transfer = await vault.transfer({
amount: "100",
denom: "USDC",
destination: "ethereum",
timeoutStrategy: {
initial: "30m",
retry: "automatic",
maxRetries: 3,
},
});
Relayer Infrastructure
Decentralized Network
Sonr operates a decentralized relayer network:
// Query relayer status
const relayerInfo = await vault.getRelayerStatus({
route: "sonr -> osmosis"
});
// Returns:
{
"availableRelayers": 5,
"selectedRelayer": "sonr1abc...",
"avgDelay": "15s",
"estimatedTime": "15s"
}
Incentive Structure
Relayers earn rewards for maintaining connectivity:
type RelayerRewards struct {
BaseReward sdk.Coins // Per packet reward
VolumeBonus sdk.Dec // Volume-based bonus
UptimeBonus sdk.Dec // Uptime bonus
SpeedBonus sdk.Dec // Fast relay bonus
}
Integration Guide
Vault SDK
Simple APIs for IBC operations:
import { SonrVault } from "@sonr/vault-sdk";
// Initialize vault
const vault = await SonrVault.connect({
network: "mainnet",
did: "did:sonr:alice",
});
// Transfer tokens
await vault.ibc.transfer({
token: "USDC",
amount: "100",
recipient: "osmo1abc...",
chain: "osmosis-1",
});
// Create interchain account
const ica = await vault.ibc.createAccount("osmosis-1");
// Monitor transfers
vault.ibc.onTransfer((transfer) => {
console.log(`Transfer ${transfer.id}: ${transfer.status}`);
});
Smart Contract Integration
Enable IBC in CosmWasm contracts:
use sonr_ibc::SonrIBC;
#[entry_point]
pub fn execute(
deps: DepsMut,
env: Env,
info: MessageInfo,
msg: ExecuteMsg,
) -> Result<Response, ContractError> {
match msg {
ExecuteMsg::CrossChainSwap {
token_in,
token_out,
target_chain
} => {
let ibc_msg = SonrIBC::cross_chain_swap(
token_in,
token_out,
target_chain,
env.contract.address
)?;
Ok(Response::new()
.add_message(ibc_msg)
.add_attribute("action", "cross_chain_swap"))
}
}
}
Fee Structure
Transparent Pricing
IBC operation fees:
Operation | Fee | Notes |
---|---|---|
IBC Transfer | 0.01% | Min: 1.00 |
ICA Creation | 1 SNR | One-time fee |
ICA Transaction | 0.1% | Of transaction value |
Multi-hop | +0.005% | Per additional hop |
Priority | +0.02% | Express processing |
Fee Distribution
- Relayers: 70%
- Validators: 20%
- Protocol: 10%
Monitoring
Analytics Dashboard
Track IBC activity:
// Get IBC analytics
const analytics = await vault.getIBCAnalytics({
timeframe: '30d'
});
// Returns:
{
"totalVolume": "$125.4M",
"totalTransfers": 1542389,
"averageTime": "12s",
"successRate": "99.7%",
"topRoutes": [
{ "route": "sonr -> osmosis", "volume": "$45.2M" }
]
}
Network Health
Monitor system status:
// Check network health
const health = await vault.getNetworkHealth();
// Returns:
{
"connectedChains": 47,
"activeChannels": 234,
"relayerUptime": "99.2%",
"congestionLevel": "low"
}
IBC v2 Support
Enhanced Features
IBC v2 (launching March 2025) adds:
- Simplified Architecture: No complex handshakes
- Multi-VM Support: Ethereum and Solana integration
- ZK Verification: Lower costs with zero-knowledge proofs
- Flexible Clients: Support for various verification methods
Migration Path
Sonr supports both versions:
// IBC Classic (current)
import (
ibctransfer "github.com/cosmos/ibc-go/v8/modules/apps/transfer"
ica "github.com/cosmos/ibc-go/v8/modules/apps/27-interchain-accounts"
)
// IBC v2 (upcoming)
import (
ibcv2 "github.com/cosmos/ibc-go/v9/modules/core/v2"
)
Best Practices
For Developers
- Use Vault abstractions: Avoid direct IBC complexity
- Handle timeouts: Implement proper timeout strategies
- Monitor transfers: Track transaction status
- Optimize routes: Consider fees and time
For Validators
- Run relayers: Support network connectivity
- Monitor channels: Ensure healthy connections
- Update clients: Keep light clients current
- Maintain uptime: Ensure reliable service
Next Steps
Ready to Build?
Developers: Explore the Vault SDK documentation for IBC integration.
Validators: Read the Relayer Setup Guide to support IBC.
Users: Learn about Cross-Chain Features in your Vault.
Discover how IBC integrates with other Sonr components by exploring DWN Module for Vault operations or Payment Systems for cross-chain payments.
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