Polygon co-founder releases testnet for data availability solution called Avail

Quick Take

  • Polygon has announced dates for the testnet launch of a new scalability network dubbed Avail.
  • Avail will aim to serve as a ‘data availability layer’ for blockchains that build on top of it.

A testnet for a new blockchain, Avail, was unveiled by Polygon co-founder Anurag Arjun.

Avail, a standalone network started by Polygon co-founders, will assist in hosting and verifying off-chain data for blockchains integrated with it.

Avail aims to enhance the scalability of blockchains by addressing their data availability requirements.

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Unlike popular blockchain networks, Avail operates distinctly. Instead of generating and maintaining a record of all data within blocks, as seen in Layer 1 monolithic blockchains like Ethereum, it employs "transaction ordering" using cryptographic protocols, GRANDPA and BABE, for data validation and consensus.

Polygon co-founder Anurag Arjun, speaking to The Block, explained, "In terms of validity, the Avail chain specializes in ordering transactions and ensuring their availability, without validating any transaction, in contrast to monolithic chains."


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About Author

Vishal Chawla is The Block’s crypto ecosystems editor and has spent over six years covering tech protocols, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Vishal likes to delve deep into blockchain intricacies to ensure readers are well-informed about the continuously evolving crypto landscape. He is also a staunch advocate for rigorous security practices in the space. Before joining The Block, Vishal held positions at IDG ComputerWorld, CIO, and Crypto Briefing. He can be reached on Twitter at @vishal4c and via email at [email protected]