What Is the Omni Network?

Walter Venin
The Listing.Help Blog
4 min readAug 10, 2024

Omni Network is an Ethereum-based protocol that connects all Ethereum rollups or scaling solutions using low-latency communications. It aims to provide a secure, efficient, and globally compatible framework, presenting Ethereum as a unified operating system. This setup allows developers to create interoperable applications and lets users switch between them seamlessly. Secured through a Proof-of-Stake model, Omni uses both staked OMNI and restaked ETH to ensure network security.

Leading up to the Omni Network mainnet launch, several testnets were conducted to ensure a smooth rollout. From June to July 2023, the Omni Origins Testnet processed 1.5 million transactions from 150,000 users. Following that, the Omni Overdrive Testnet, running from August to October 2023, saw 400,000 users and 30 ecosystem projects contribute to a total of 6 million transactions.

Key Features of the Omni Network

1. Scalability: Omni can handle a large number of transactions swiftly and efficiently, making it suitable for applications needing fast processing times.

2. Interoperability: Omni allows seamless interactions with other blockchains, enabling easy transfer of assets and data across different blockchain networks, promoting a more interconnected ecosystem.

3. Security: The network employs advanced security measures to guard against various attacks, ensuring transaction integrity and asset protection.

4. Flexibility: Developers can build a variety of decentralized applications (DApps) on the Omni Network. It supports multiple programming languages and development tools, offering developers considerable flexibility.

5. Decentralization: Omni operates under a decentralized governance model, giving stakeholders a voice in its development and decision-making processes.

6. Ecosystem Support: Omni offers extensive tools and resources for developers, including software development kits (SDKs), application programming interfaces (APIs), and comprehensive documentation.

How Omni Network Works

The Omni Network stands out as the first Actively Validated Service (AVS) to secure $1 billion in staked ETH commitments from liquid restaking protocols such as Ether.Fi, Renzo, Rio, and Swell. An Actively Validated Service within EigenLayer leverages Ethereum’s shared security and validation mechanisms. This system allows developers to utilize Ethereum’s robust security framework without the need to duplicate it, offering enhanced protection against attacks.

Additionally, AVSs optimize blockchain resource usage by restaking within the EigenLayer ecosystem. Validators can contribute to securing protocols without having to allocate separate resources for each one. Omni introduces blockchain security through restaked ETH, involving a coordinated effort between validators and delegators to verify protocol messages, manage slashing events, and uphold the validator set’s integrity.

Omni Network aims to create an ecosystem that connects all blockchain networks, regardless of their underlying technology. This goal is achieved by using a foundational layer that serves as a universal connector, facilitating interactions between different blockchains. A permissionless network of Omni validator nodes, secured through staked OMNI and restaked ETH, will employ CometBFT consensus to validate messages and transactions. This connectivity could pave the way for genuine cross-chain composability.

The OMNI Token

A critical component of Omni Network’s goal to enable transactions on any Ethereum rollup is the OMNI token, an ERC-20 token launched on Ethereum L1. The token first appeared on Binance Launchpool as the 52nd project, allowing users to stake BNB and FDUSD in separate pools to farm OMNI tokens for the initial four days. Following its genesis, OMNI was listed on Binance, KuCoin, and Gate.io.

OMNI serves multiple purposes: it acts as a gas resource for transactions on any Ethereum rollup and functions as the native gas token for the Omni EVM. Additionally, it is used as the platform’s governance token. OMNI, combined with restaked ETH, supports the protocol’s dual staking model, which enhances security.

Use Cases of the Omni Network

The Omni Network’s flexibility and scalability enable various potential applications, especially in the DeFi sector.

Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)

These platforms let users trade digital assets directly, without a central authority. Omni Network’s high throughput and low latency ensure fast and efficient trading for DEXs.

Lending and Borrowing Platforms

DeFi platforms for lending and borrowing allow users to earn interest on their digital assets or borrow against them. Omni provides a reliable foundation for these applications, ensuring secure and swift transactions.

Stablecoins

Stablecoins are digital assets pegged to stable assets like fiat currency. Omni Network supports the issuance and management of stablecoins, leveraging its scalability and security features.

Asset Tokenization

Omni Network can tokenize real-world assets such as real estate or commodities. This involves creating digital representations of these assets on the blockchain, making them more accessible and tradable.

Supply Chain Management

Blockchain technology can improve supply chain transparency and efficiency. Omni’s interoperability features allow it to integrate with existing systems, providing a secure and transparent way to track goods and verify transactions.

The Future of the Omni Network

The coming months promise significant developments for the Omni Network. Following the conclusion of the Omni Omega testnet, the mainnet launch is on the horizon. Additionally, the team plans to integrate more liquid restaking protocols and EigenLayer operators. Expansion efforts also include incorporating EigenDA and Celestia as alternative Data Availability systems.

For more insights and updates on the crypto world, don’t forget to check out our blog at Listing.Help.

--

--