Substrate Ecosystem Newsletter- — July Issue
Substrate Monthly — Ecosystem Technical Newsletter, produced by OneBlock+, summarizes the technical progress of the top projects in various areas in the Polkadot ecosystem each month to get the community updated on the status of the ecosystem. Areas include DeFi, infrastructure, smart contracts, privacy, GameFi, etc. Items include critical technical submissions, modifications and releases, technical discussions, and references.
The following is the July issue. Enjoy~
DeFi
01.Acala Network
Acala is building the liquidity layer for web3 finance that is captive and sustainable. It aims to provide infrastructures for HyFi (DeFi+CeFi) solutions with crypto and real-world assets. Acala offers a Universal Asset Hub that hosts multichain liquid staking token (LST) protocols (such as liquid DOT — LDOT), an AMM decentralized exchange, and an app platform that is EVM-compatible and highly customizable (based on Substrate). Acala is secured by Polkadot, and is the liquidity gateway of Polkadot parachains and L1/L2 blockchains.
Important Technological Improvement and Advances
Fixed creating hash of simulated block and improved error messages
https://github.com/AcalaNetwork/chopsticks/releases/tag/0.13.1
Technical Solution Discussion
Improve EVM Tracing Interface
https://github.com/AcalaNetwork/Acala/issues/2777
Polkadot Ecosystem Cross-chain Testing Project
https://forum.polkadot.network/t/polkadot-ecosystem-tests/9067
Support HTTP Upstream Nodes
https://github.com/AcalaNetwork/subway/pull/197
Technical Documentation Reference
02.Bifrost
Bifrost is the Polkadot Ecological DeFi basic protocol. It is committed to becoming an infrastructure for staked assets to provide liquidity. Bifrost launched derivatives vToken for Staking and Polkadot Parachain Slot (Crowdloan). It has obtained $2.15M in fund-raising from NGC, SNZ, DFG, CMS and other institutions and Web3 Foundation Grant. It is also a member of Substrate Builders Program and Web3 Bootcamp.
vToken can optimize transactions in multiple scenarios such as DeFi, DApp, DEX, CEX, and realize the transfer channel of stake rights such as staking and Crowdloan through vToken, realize the risk hedging of stake assets, and expand scenarios such as vToken as collateral for lending, its staking reward part of the interest can be offset to achieve low-interest loans.
Important Technological Improvement and Advances
runtime v0.12.0
- Adapt to support the universal Ledger app
- Support receiving AssetHub foreign assets types from AssetHub DOT reserves
- Support EVM address transactions
- Fix the issue where vtokenVoting.remove vote was unsuccessful in certain cases
- Optimize AssetHub cross-chain fee handling
- Adjust OpenGov whitelistcaller track parameters to allow faster proposal approvals
- Upgrade Polkadot dependencies
ominils 1.0.5
- Add insufficient liquidity warning for vMANTA on Pacific
- Support OKX wallet
- Launch vASTR on Moonbeam
Technical Documentation Reference
Smart Contract
03.Moonbeam Network
Moonbeam is a developer-oriented blockchain that strives to provide compatibility with the existing Ethereum developer toolchain and network. It does this by providing a full EVM implementation, a Web3-compatible API, and bridges that connect Moonbeam to existing Ethereum networks. This allows developers to deploy existing Solidity smart contracts and DApp frontends to Moonbeam with minimal changes.
Important Technological Improvement and Advances
Runtime 3100 upgrade
- [Moonbase Alpha] Introduce native EVM foreign assets (#2869)
- changes the process to manage XCM derivative assets
- [Moonbeam] Increase block gas limit from 15 mlns to 30 mlns (#2866)
- [Moonriver] Increase block gas limit from 30 mlns to 60 mlns (#2867)
- Upgrade to polkadot-sdk v1.11.0 (#2838)
- Add XcmPayment runtime API (#2857)
- Allows for XCM gas estimation
- Add secp256r1 precompile (#2859)
- Introduces support for passkeys signature scheme
- Allow bridged assets from Asset Hub (#2844)
- Add new substrate event ExecutedFromXcm to link XCM message hash with Ethereum tx hash (#2874)
- fix: auto-compound fail when free balance is too low (#2853)
- Uses precompile_utils from frontier (#2812)
- benchmarks for 3100 (#2878)
Client v0.39.0 upgrade The following breaking changes have been introduced in the polkadot-sdk v1.11.0
- Enforce network key presence on authorities (polkadot-sdk#3852)
- Upgrade to polkadot-sdk v1.11.0 (#2838)
- Expose moon_getLatestSyncedBlock RPC endpoint (#2858 )
- This endpoint retrieves the last synced block hash from the SQL storage
- Update repo URL in command.rs (#2846)
- The client cannot be downgraded after runtime version >= 3100 is enacted.
Technical Solution Discussion
Grant Program Forum Post Part 2 — Macroeconomics and Tokenomics
Technical Documentation Reference
Storage
04.CESS
CESS (Cumulus Encrypted Storage System) is a blockchain powered decentralized storage and content delivery network (CDN) infrastructure for Web3. Users and creators alike use the platform for on-chain data sharing, whilst builders can develop and deploy DApps.
Offering the most optimal Web3 solution for storing and retrieving high-frequency dynamic data, CESS reshapes the value distribution and circulation of data assets whilst ensuring data sovereignty and user privacy. By utilizing a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) model, CESS drives mass deployment of network nodes globally through incentives.
CESS network consists of four layers: Blockchain Layer, Distributed Storage Resource Layer , Distributed Content Delivery Layer, and Application Layer. CESS’s R²S consensus mechanism coordinates the network resources and network load, guarantees data security and integrity through proprietary technologies with data ownership protection, technologies such as Proof of Data Reduplication and Recovery (PoDR²), Multi-format Data Rights Confirmation (MDRC), and decentralized proxy re-encryption. CESS aims to be the first decentralized storage network that supports large-scale commercial applications.
CESS is also compatible with EVM and WASM, and the underlying development framework Substrate is also friendly to cross-chain applications. Its technology stack can support most Web3 applications and the development needs of enterprise-level applications.
Important Technological Improvement and Advances
Consensus Nodes [v0.7.6]
- Fixed the issue where files could still be uploaded after territories expired in the CESS Node territory module.
- Enhanced the territory module with lifecycle management and expiration checks.
- Updated the territory module readme documentation, adding descriptions for the functionalities and usage of RPC interfaces.
- Completed the benchmark writing and testing for the territory module.
- Generated and adapted transaction weights for the territory module functions.
- Optimized the territory module by refining condition checks for territory purchases.
- Resolved issues in the territory module where subsequent territory transactions failed due to users transferring account balances during the lock period.
- Fixed various code warnings and removed redundant logs from the territory module.
- Developed and tested the CD²N network caching node work reward protocol EVM smart contract.
- Improved the order mechanism for the CD²N network caching node work reward protocol, with automatic deletion of expired and claimed orders.
- Completed testing and merged the TEE Worker DCAP remote certification into the main branch.
- Addressed synchronization and verification issues with TEE Worker running in DACP remote certification mode.
- Completed the test run and issue resolution for the TEE Worker DCAP remote certification mode, resolving hardware upgrade limitations.
Storage Nodes [v0.7.10]
- Fixed issues where nodes were penalized for failing to submit storage proofs.
- Completed adaptation and testing of territory module-related functions.
- Enhanced the storage node monitoring program, adding monitoring and alert features for abnormal node statuses.
CESS is a blockchain powered decentralized storage and CD²N (content decentralized delivery network) infrastructure for Web3. By utilizing a DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure network) model, CESS drives mass deployment of network nodes globally through incentives. The first of its kind, DeOSS (decentralized object storage services) by CESS has significantly contributed to the gradual enrichment and flourishing of the product ecosystem within the CESS network, DeShare (online file sharing tool), and public chain snapshot storage services have been incubated. The developments for this month are as follows:
Decentralized Object Storage Service (DeOSS)
- Resolved issues where DeOSS could not push user file fragments to storage nodes.
- Fixed problems with DeOSS failing to quickly download files due to caching module failures.
- Refactored the CD²N component library, clarifying the structure and logic of lightweight caching nodes for future upgrades and expansions.
- Improved the credit mechanism for lightweight cache clients, enabling easier collaboration with nearby cache nodes.
- Implemented a general interaction module for lightweight cache nodes and smart contracts, supporting future functionality expansions through various contracts.
- Refined the cache order mechanism, adding mutual condition checks between buyers and sellers of cache services.
- Upgraded the go-sdk and js-sdk to include all functionalities related to the territory module.
- Completed testing for DeOSS functionalities involving file uploads and downloads with the territory module.
- Updated user manuals to reflect the latest features and operating logic in DeOSS.
- Added support for “CANS PROTOCOL” for batch file uploads and downloads.
- Implemented file fragment and integrity verification functionalities in the js-sdk.
- Finished adapting the js-sdk for file resume upload functionality on the browser end.
Online File Sharing Tool (DeShare)
- Fixed issues with file uploads failing due to load balancing configuration errors.
- Corrected inaccurate user prompts when uploading files with illegal filenames.
- Added support for file sharing link previews, allowing users to view basic file information without clicking the link.
- Implemented an offline backup mechanism for file metadata, enabling seamless data migration during testnet iterations.
CESS Website
- Completed development of new official website pages.
Technical Documentation Reference
- GitHub：http://github.com/CESSProject
- WiKi：https://github.com/CESSProject/cess/wiki
- CIPs：https://github.com/CESSProject/CIPs
05. Crust Network
Crust Network is essentially an IPFS incentive layer protocol and a substrate-based blockchain that builds a decentralized storage network of Web3.0 ecosystem. It is designed to build a decentralized cloud ecosystem that values data privacy and ownership.Crust Network is essentially an IPFS incentive layer protocol and a substrate-based blockchain that builds a decentralized storage network of Web3.0 ecosystem. Funded by DCF (Decentralized Cloud Foundation), it is designed to build a decentralized cloud ecosystem that values data privacy and ownership. The Crust mainnet was launched on September 1, 2021, and now has 7000+IPFS nodes and 2000+Pb storage capacity.
Important Technological Improvement and Advances
Crust Mainnet:
- Increased the number of file replicas across the network and enabled the file computing power curve feature.
- Crust mainnet data statistics service and related reports have been developed and are now live.
- Added functionality to SManager for probabilistic filtering of pull orders and released the update.
- Added IPFS bootnodes settings to Crust Node script configuration generation; development completed and release issued.
- Fixed the bug in the Crust-to-Elrond bridge.
- Fixed the Circulating API to ensure that values displayed on CoinGecko/CMC websites match those on Subscan.
Others:
- EthDA stabilization.
- TONBags:
- Received a grant from the TON Foundation.
- Smart contract development completed.
- sManager & sWorker development in progress.
- miniApp development in progress.
- Crust official website, CrustFiles, and CrustCloud now support multiple domains and IPNS/IPFS deployment.
Technical Documentation Reference
Infrastructure
06.Deeper Network
Deeper Network is committed to building a truly decentralized Internet and security gateway. It aims to bring a better Internet experience for every family and become the gateway for users to Web 3.0 applications. Deeper’s vision is to combine network security, network sharing, and blockchain technology to create a safer, freer, and faster decentralized network.
Important Technological Improvement and Advances
Proxy-Wallet:
- Ethereum/Sepolia Network Send/Receive History API: Completed provider research, API development, deployment, and system integration, aimed at improving the efficiency and accuracy of transaction history retrieval.
- Binance Mainnet and Testnet Interface Development: Finished the development of send/receive history API interfaces, now in the integration testing phase, reinforcing system support for mainstream trading platforms.
- Solana Network Interface Development: Completed research, development, deployment, and integration of send/receive history API for Solana mainnet and devnet, enhancing support for the Solana ecosystem.
- Transaction History and Details Interface: Introduced a new get_tx_detail API, supporting multi-chain transaction history details, improving query functionality applicability and security.
- Multi-chain Transaction Processing Optimization: Enhanced transaction processing capabilities across different blockchains, optimizing cross-chain transaction data integration and synchronization.
GUI-Frontend:
- User Data Persistence: Implemented a user data persistence solution using localStorage technology to automatically save and fill user input on the feedback page, enhancing user experience.
- Wallet Feature Enhancement: Implemented importKeyStore functionality, added secure import and export endpoints for keystore data, strengthening data security.
- Transaction Data Processing Optimization: Added endpoints for retrieving transaction history, transaction details, and token transaction history, improving data real-time performance and accuracy.
- New UI Migration and Integration: Conducted GUI-Frontend migration from old to new versions, including UI design updates, new feature integration, and user interface responsiveness optimization.
- Interface Interaction Improvements: Enhanced user interface interaction design, improving user experience through new animations and visual feedback.
HD-Wallet:
- Bitcoin Wallet Upgrade: Fixed the script pubkey issue for BTC Segregated Witness txouts, introduced Schnorr signature and Taproot address support, increasing wallet security and transaction privacy.
- Key Management Optimization: Enhanced key generation and management processes, including improved key backup and recovery features, to increase asset security for users.
- Multi-currency Support Expansion: Added support for emerging cryptocurrencies and tokens by upgrading the wallet architecture to accommodate various blockchain technologies.
- Performance and Reliability Improvements: Optimized wallet application performance, reduced operational latency, and improved transaction confirmation speed.
GUI-Backend:
- BTC Transaction Support: Added functionality for BTC fee retrieval and transfers, successfully testing UTXO transfers for multiple address types, enhancing transaction flexibility.
- BTC Taproot Upgrade Research: Studied the technical details of the BTC Taproot upgrade, laying the groundwork for potential future protocol upgrades and feature expansions.
- Data Storage and Security Enhancement: Improved transaction data storage mechanisms and security measures, enhancing data protection and resistance to attacks.
- API Performance Optimization: Conducted performance optimization for backend APIs, improving data processing efficiency and response times, particularly under high-load conditions.
- Error Handling and Logging Improvements: Enhanced system error handling capabilities and logging functionality, making problem diagnosis and system monitoring more efficient.
Technical Solution Discussion
Proxy-Wallet: Efficient Data Retrieval and Secure Transaction Detail Queries:
- Transaction History API Performance Optimization: Implemented efficient data indexing and query optimization strategies for the send/receive history API. Significantly improved data query speed and overall system responsiveness by adjusting database query logic and introducing caching mechanisms.
GUI-Frontend: Data Persistence and User Experience Enhancement:
- Transaction Data Processing Performance Optimization: Refactored the transaction data processing workflow in the GUI-Frontend, introducing more efficient data processing algorithms and batch processing techniques. This ensures rapid processing and accurate updates of large volumes of transaction data.
Technical Documentation Reference
- https://github.com/deeper-chain/deeper-chain
- https://deeper-network-inc.gitbook.io/deeper-connect-knowledge-base/
- https://doc.deepernetwork.org/
07. Darwinia Network
Darwinia is the community-run technology and service powering the cross-chain capabilities of decentralized applications.
Important Technological Improvement and Advances
Protocol Updates
- Enable and test the Async backing for runtimes. link
- Upgrade polkadot-sdk to version 1.7.2. link
- EVM tracing now supports ethtx-forward transactions. link
- KTON DAO development is underway. link
- Mutable distribution contract address for the staking pallet. link
- Fix eth_call and estimate_gas for older runtimes. link
- Deprecate the BLS precompile. link
Darwinia Ecosystem Applications and Infrastructure Updates
- Darwinia: A faucet has been added for the Koi test network. link
- Darwinia: Testing and deploying AragonDAO.
- Darwinia: Mimir is now live on the Darwinia chains! link
- Msgport: The Msgport Scan is now live. link
- Msgport: Improved Msgport Scan indexing strategy.
- Msgport: Monitoring Msgport message timeout through hyperindex.
- Msgport: Added PingPong Msgport example. link
- Msgport: Included dapp remarks in the Msgport Scan.
- xAPI: The design of the xAPI has been confirmed.
Technical Documentation Reference
- Darwinia Genepaper: https://darwinia.network/Genepaper_v4.pdf
- Darwinia Network GitHub: https://github.com/darwinia-network
- Darwinia Docs: https://docs.darwinia.network/
- Msgport Github: https://github.com/msgport
- Msgport Docs: https://msgport.xyz
Wallet
08. SubWallet
SubWallet is the comprehensive non-custodial wallet solution for Polkadot, Substrate & Ethereum ecosystems. With the mission of bringing users closer to Web3, we envision a Web3 multiverse gateway through which users can enjoy multichain services with utmost ease and absolute security. Connecting and using blockchain-based applications is smoother than ever with SubWallet Browser Extension & SubWallet Mobile App.
Important Technological Improvement and Advances
SubWallet released Extension v1.2.12 and Mobile v1.1.67 (405) on July 5:
- Extension v1.2.12: supported Polkadot ↔ Kusama bridge and Polkadot ↔ Ethereum bridge, added 15 new tokens, added support for the new Ledger Polkadot app, and integrated Analog Testnet, Berachain Testnet & Atleta Testnet.
- Mobile v1.1.67 (405): updated tab bar with Mission pool, added new dApps — UQUID, Analog Watch & Archisinal, and supported Hydration swap on Android.
SubWallet team participated in ETHcc week and Polkadot Decoded 2024, which took place in Brussels.
SubWallet offers full support for Avail Mainnet which launched on July 23:
- Integrated Avail Mainnet, AVAIL token & AVAIL OG NFT.
- Supported in-app staking (direct nomination and nomination pool) for AVAIL.
- SubWallet nomination pools also reached the milestone of 3.5M+ AVAIL staked in just over a day after Avail mainnet launch.
SubWallet has now fully supported Cere Network and $CERE token.
Technical Documentation Reference
About OneBlock+
OneBlock+ is the first and the largest blockchain developer community in China. At OneBlock+, we provide full support for developers with their substrate studies and further set off their career paths. We host Polkadot Hackathons every season to attract top-notch developers to build and innovate for the prosperity of the ecosystem. As a greater China technology resource integrator, OneBlock+ also partners with developers, communities, business elites, and key media who have business insights and experiences in the blockchain industry to provide educational events, such as technical courses, webinars, AMAs, and offline events for the industry. Want to shape the crypto world together? Come and join us today!
