XPort is Wanchain’s protocol for cross-chain data transfer, allowing arbitrary data to move between blockchains. It consists of two main parts: a secure off-chain relayer and basic on-chain smart contracts known as Cross-Chain Gateways that handle data transmission.
The off-chain relayer uses the same Bridge Node Group that secures cross-chain transactions on the Wanchain Bridge. These permissionless nodes are rotated and re-elected monthly. They utilize Multiparty Computation and Shamir’s Secret Sharing cryptography to send messages and arbitrary data across chains.
Cross-Chain Gateways are smart contracts deployed on each supported blockchain. They have limited capabilities, functioning essentially only to send and receive data, and act as the contact point for all 3rd party developers.
Significantly, XPort is designed to align with the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance’s Distributed Ledger Technology Interoperability Specification, which was co-authored by Wanchain’s VP on Engineering Dr. Weijia Zhang.