What are Cosmos zones

In the Cosmos network, zones are independent blockchains that are connected to the wider Cosmos network through a shared consensus mechanism. Each zone has its own set of validators, governance rules, and token economics. Zones can be designed for specific use cases or industries, and can have their own unique features and functionalities.

Zones are created using the Cosmos SDK, a set of developer tools and protocols for building and deploying custom blockchains. The SDK provides developers with a high degree of flexibility and customization, enabling them to create blockchains that are tailored to their specific needs.

Zones are able to communicate with each other through the use of inter-blockchain communication (IBC) protocols. This allows for the transfer of value and data between different zones in the Cosmos network, even if they have different governance models or token economics.

Zones are connected to the wider Cosmos network through specialized blockchains called hubs. Hubs act as intermediaries, relaying messages and transactions between different zones. The hubs themselves are connected to other hubs, forming a network of interconnected blockchains.

The use of zones in the Cosmos network provides a high degree of flexibility and customization for developers, while still maintaining interoperability with the wider network. This allows for the creation of highly specialized blockchains that can serve specific use cases or industries, while still being able to exchange value and data with other blockchains in the network. Overall, the use of zones is a key feature of the Cosmos network, enabling the creation of a truly interconnected blockchain ecosystem.