Waterfall Network: How does this smart contracts platform achieve unlimited scalability

Author: Emre Günen

The next generation of directed acyclic graph technology can provide DApp with almost unlimited scalability and portability with minimal requirements.

The Waterfall Network is a highly scalable and Decentralization layer 1 protocol supported by Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) technology, which recently achieved nearly 13,000 TPS on its Mainnet.

While blockchain is praised for its security, transparency, and non-intermediary transactions, a major challenge hinders its meaningful integration into the global economy: scalability.

Regardless of the number of online users, maintaining consistent transaction speed and quality is crucial for Web3 technology to become the cornerstone of the global economy. Without this capability, widespread adoption remains an uphill battle.

The core of this challenge lies in the trilemma of blockchain - achieving scalability, security, and Decentralization at the same time is very difficult. Since security is non-negotiable, developers often have no choice but to drop the priority of Decentralization.

However, in the Web3 era, Decentralization is not only a technical feature, but also a basic principle that distinguishes Web3 from the centralized framework of traditional Web2.

An innovative architecture that can simultaneously verify and add multiple transactions becomes an effective solution to overcome the limitations of blockchain.

DAG is designed to be highly scalable and Decentralization from the beginning.

Potential infinite scalability

Waterfall Network is a Layer 1 Decentralized scalable ledger that addresses the most pressing challenges of scalability, decentralization, and cost-effectiveness in the blockchain industry. The network is compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing users to run validator nodes on low-cost devices while enabling seamless migration of decentralized applications (DApps)

Waterfall recently set a new benchmark for blockchain performance, with its Mainnet achieving 12,778 transactions per second (TPS) - 1,000 TPS higher than its Testnet record. This is a rare case of Mainnet outperforming Testnet in terms of performance.

Recent results indicate that Waterfall is actually more scalable than Solana and Aptos. Source: Chainspect

The core of Waterfall’s scalability achievement lies in its unique Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) architecture. Unlike traditional blockchain structures, DAG supports parallel block creation and parallel transaction processing in later stages, allowing for simultaneous validation and addition of multiple transactions. This design significantly improves transaction throughput while providing unlimited scalability and portability for DApps.

As more and more validators join Waterfall, funding and rewards will be distributed to researchers and developers who contribute to community-driven security audits and bug bounty programs. In addition, the DAG architecture supports running validators nodes on almost any device, including low-cost laptops and smartphones, further enhancing decentralization.

1.5 million validators promote Decentralization

Waterfall is advancing a future where scalability and Decentralization coexist seamlessly, supported by the Google Cloud Web3 Starter Program. This collaboration provides developers with access to cloud resources, enabling them to test and optimize infrastructure across platforms. In addition, Waterfall has also joined Decentralized Trust Labs as a member of the Linux Foundation, further solidifying its commitment to innovation and Decentralization.

Waterfall has EVM compatibility, which can help seamlessly migrate applications built on ETH network code and ecosystem. The network also integrates with Wallet and community supported by ETH, thereby enhancing accessibility and user engagement.

On this basis, Waterfall Network has achieved a major milestone. On June 19, 2024, the network announced that it has become the first Proof of Stake (PoS) platform to pass the test with 1.5 million validators.

Source: plummet network

After its public release on July 17, 2024, the platform developed rapidly, with Total Value Locked (TVL) rising by 339% within the first month. As of August 17, 2024, the Waterfall report stated that it had 8,391 active validators, ranking third globally in terms of Decentralization PoS network position based on the number of validators.

Waterfall research director Sergii Grybniak said they have joined the few networks that have surpassed TestnetBenchmark on Mainnet, and added:

“With the ability to run on almost any type of Node, Waterfall Network is poised to become one of the most scalable and Decentralization-first layer networks.”

Combining the efficiency and user-centric characteristics of Web2 with the Decentralization spirit of Web3 remains a major goal for innovators like Waterfall. Achieving this integration will enhance scalability and unlock new levels of trust, inclusiveness and innovation.