During an exclusive interview with crypto.news, Yair Cleper, the CEO and founder of Lava network, delved into the complexities of Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocols and their significance in the advancement of blockchain technology.
RPCs serve as protocols facilitating communication between applications and a blockchain, playing a crucial role in the development of decentralized applications (dApps). Recent issues surrounding RPC reliability have emerged as a prominent subject within the crypto sector.
In the recent past, disruptions in RPC functionality have impacted major networks such as Solana and Manta, prompting widespread calls for enhanced RPC infrastructure across the industry.
Lava network, led by Cleper, has introduced a platform that links dApps to top-tier RPC providers, aiming to tackle the obstacles faced by blockchain networks. This unique approach positions Cleper to provide valuable insights on the matter.
What factors contribute to the lack of reliability in RPC across various blockchain ecosystems?
The causes of RPC unreliability vary depending on the specific blockchain ecosystem under consideration. In the case of Ethereum, centralization plays a significant role, with a few key providers handling a majority of the traffic. If these providers become inaccessible, dapp users are unable to connect to Ethereum. Conversely, in many other chains, especially newly established ones, unreliability stems from RPC support largely relying on community members who voluntarily set up nodes.
How can these issues be addressed?
Implementing straightforward processes that allow users to easily switch to an alternative provider in case of unavailability can enhance reliability. Additionally, promoting a diverse range of providers can prevent the ecosystem from becoming excessively dependent on a select few.
What are the broader implications of RPC downtime for dApp developers and users within the blockchain ecosystem?
A breakdown in RPC services is equivalent to a disruption in the blockchain itself for users. Previous instances of outages or congestion have left users unable to connect to chains. This was notably evident during the DeFi and NFT boom on Ethereum, where significant NFT minting activities could overwhelm multiple RPC providers.
Can developers mitigate these risks?
Developers can mitigate risks by opting for decentralized and highly redundant services like Lava, which amalgamates multiple RPC providers into a single network with automatic fallback mechanisms in case of provider downtime. Some developers are already utilizing solutions like load balancers to mitigate risks.
Moving forward, how does Lava plan to address vulnerabilities and ensure reliability for users and developers in light of recent high-profile RPC outages?
Lava is establishing a network that enables chains and rollups to efficiently set up their RPC and API infrastructure through an Incentivized Public RPC mechanism. The network is designed with key considerations in mind, including agnosticism to support any chain and API, permissionless access, low latency with geolocation-based routing, high reliability, and decentralization to prevent any single point of control hindering blockchain access.
Are there any chains currently adopting this approach?
Lava is actively collaborating with various chains, including NEAR, Evmos, and Axelar, to assist in the setup, optimization, and decentralization of their infrastructure.
How do you foresee decentralized data access layers evolving in terms of technology and adoption?
Lava was meticulously crafted to offer a highly flexible data access layer, with RPC serving as just the starting point for numerous potential applications within the network. As blockchain technology gains traction, Lava will support more intricate and specialized APIs capable of retrieving indexed data specific to dApps or smart contracts. Furthermore, while current data access layers primarily focus on onboarding more dApps onto chains, future developments may see dApps evolving into app-specific rollups or even independent blockchains. This underscores the importance of Lava’s ability to swiftly and dynamically support new chains in a permissionless manner compared to centralized providers.
Will RPC providers play a pivotal role in the ongoing evolution of blockchain technology?
RPC providers are indeed foundational infrastructure required by both dApp developers and rollup developers, with Lava offering solutions catering to both needs.