Pons Network Architecture
Pons Network is a decentralized execution layer that enables cross-chain asset transfers and action execution. Here's how the pieces fit together.
Network Overview
The Flow (Step by Step)
Phase 1: User Initiates (Source Chain)
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User signs action: EIP-712 signature containing:
- Amount to bridge
- Destination action (contract + calldata)
- Fee configuration (indexer + resolver fees)
- Deadline and nonce
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SDK sends message: Locks/burns assets on source chain and publishes the signed action to Pons Network.
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User is done: They can close the page. The rest happens automatically.
Phase 2: Cross-chain Verification
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Network observes transfer: The cross-chain protocol monitors the lock/burn event.
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Proof generated: Cryptographic proof is generated confirming the transfer happened.
Phase 3: Indexing (Destination Chain)
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Indexer detects message: Decentralized indexers monitor for verified messages.
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Indexer relays message: Indexer submits the cross-chain proof to deliver assets and action data.
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Assets + action arrive at Smart Account: The user's Smart Account receives the bridged assets along with the signed action describing what the user wants to do.
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Indexer earns fee: The indexer fee is paid from the bridged amount.
Phase 4: Execution (Destination Chain)
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Resolver detects indexed message: Decentralized resolvers watch for newly indexed messages.
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Resolver validates profitability: Checks if the resolver fee covers gas + profit margin.
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Resolver executes action: Calls the Smart Account with the user's signed action.
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Action completes: Swap executes, NFT mints, tokens stake, etc.
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Resolver earns fee: The resolver fee is paid from the Smart Account.
Key Components
Smart Accounts
Each user has a counterfactual Smart Account on every destination chain:
Smart Account
- Deterministic AddressSame address on every chain, derived from owner + salt
- Lazy CreationOnly deployed when first used
- Signature ControlledOnly owner's EIP-712 signature can authorize actions
Capabilities:
- Receive bridged assets
- Execute arbitrary contract calls
- Pay fees in your chosen token (no native tokens needed)
- Batch multiple calls in one transaction
Indexers
Indexers are the first responders in the network:
- Monitor: Watch for cross-chain transfer events
- Relay: Deliver user assets to their Smart Account
- Earn: Collect indexer fees per transaction
- Compete: First valid indexer gets the fee
Resolvers
Resolvers execute user actions:
- Monitor: Watch for indexed messages with pending actions
- Validate: Check profitability (fee greater than gas + margin)
- Execute: Call Smart Account with user's signed action
- Fund: Optionally provide ETH/tokens upfront (reimbursed from fees)
- Earn: Collect resolver fees per transaction
Pons Gateway
The gateway provides REST API access to the network:
- Announce: SDK publishes transfer intents
- Status: Query transfer status by txHash
- Discovery: Find active indexers/resolvers
Fee Flow
All fees paid in your chosen token. No native tokens required!
Security Model
Trustless Execution
Security Guarantees
- User signature requiredActions only execute with valid EIP-712 signature
- Deadline enforcementActions expire after specified deadline
- Nonce protectionReplay attacks prevented
- Amount verificationExpected amount checked before execution
Decentralized Operators
- Permissionless: Anyone can run an indexer or resolver
- Competitive: Multiple operators compete for transactions
- Redundant: If one operator goes offline, others continue
- Economic incentives: Operators are paid for honest behavior
Cross-chain Security
- Battle-tested: Built on proven cross-chain protocols
- Verified: Every transfer requires cryptographic proof
- Native assets: Real tokens, not wrapped versions
Supported Chains
| Chain | Network | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ethereum Sepolia | Testnet | Live |
| Arc Network | Testnet | Live |
| Ethereum Mainnet | Mainnet | Coming Soon |
Next: Smart Accounts → - Deep dive into security design
Or jump to: SDK Quickstart →