A Layer 0 Technology
Umbrella unifies a fragmented web3 ecosystem into a coherent and composable single platform.
The Blockchain Layers and Components
Layer 0 - Fast, Modular, Composable, and Secure - Umbrella
Umbrella is what we consider to be a true Layer 0 technology. It lies below the existing infrastructure giving developers the choice of how they want to handle the stack while not worrying about breaking the experience.
Umbrella is an infrastructure-agnostic toolkit that creates a web3 front-end experience that feels like web2. Developers can choose to hold their base assets on a Layer 1 that follows their ethos if they don't wish to use Umbrella for anything besides the UX upgrades. Layer 2s have the same option for integrating on Umbrella. Furthermore, any EVM-compatible Rollup, Privacy, or IBC tool will work seamlessly with Umbrella.
Additionally, Umbrella introduces two new novel ideas: Proof of Relativity and Realistic Rollups. Technological innovations that offer a more efficient and predictive operating model for nodes on the network.
Umbrella is also actively researching and working with cutting-edge developments. For example, a Move-based EVM implementation and Zero Knowledge Applications (zkApps)
Umbrella's main role in the ecosystem is as an integrator and operator. We integrate practically every relevant advancement done in the industry into one composable ecosystem. So instead of rebuilding the wheel, we can focus on driving the industry as a whole forward. We do this while operating a suite of products and tools that focus on developer experience that we build to make this all possible.
Layer 1s - Value and Virtual Machines
At the base, we have Layer 1s, the origin chains that created decentralized value and operating systems. These are monolithic systems that use their own VMs or in the case of Bitcoin don't even have one and focus on being a store of value or another type of decentralized network instead. Technically we could add digitized fiat to this category when you consider how it's used, but most stables don't run their own chain. However, we may begin to see this change with the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).
To be clear, Umbrella is also a Layer 1. As a foundational blockchain technology, it can operate as a stand-alone network with its own Layer 2 scaling solutions. However, the reason Umbrella is considered a Layer 0, is because it can sit below this Layer 1 and act as either a front-end execution layer or a middleware between chains and applications to access our unique services. Umbrella builds EVM first with Fiat onramps and has Bitcoin support in the pipeline. With the plan to add more VMs in the future, like MoveVM, as the industry matures.
Layer 2s - Scaling Layer 1 VMs
Layer 2s focus on scaling the VMs introduced in Layer 1. They use different methods, like rollups, side chains, and private channels, and stamp records back on a Layer 1 chain.
Consensus
Each chain has a consensus mechanism, with variations of Proof of Stake being the most popular. Umbrella uses an on-chain Proof of Relativity system to derive a Proof of Relative Stake score. Which might not make sense to you quite yet, but don't worry we have sections dedicated for you to dive deeper into later.
Interblockchain Communication
Interblockchain Communication (IBC) is a pretty old conversation (in blockchain years at least). Figuring out how two chains built on the same VM would communicate was the first stage of this issue, but that's become a lot easier to solve over time with EVM compatibility being the best it's ever been. Cosmos and Polkadot have been around for a while and are building toward this problem as well. Some IBC companies have recently attempted a rebrand as "Layer 0", so we hope we have quelled some confusion here.
This layer's purpose is to facilitate the transfer of data, messages, and assets from one chain to another.
Rollups
Rollups are when you perform transaction execution outside the main chain and send the transaction data back to the main network. Rollups settle the transactions outside of the main Ethereum network but post the transaction data back to the Ethereum network and still derive its security from the Ethereum protocol. Each rollup has its specific contracts deployed on the main Ethereum network. Rollups execute the transaction off the chain mainly on a rollup-specific chain and then batches the transaction data, compresses it, and sends it to the main Ethereum chain; this reduces the load on the main Ethereum network of actually processing those transactions.
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