What is TON Application Layer (TAC)? Understanding the Layer-2 Blockchain of the Open Network

Groundbreaking Layer-2 blockchain designed to bridge the TON blockchain with EVM-compatible protocols

The Launchy Team
August 07, 2024

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Key Takeaways

TAC is a Layer-2 blockchain designed to enable EVM protocols to integrate and operate on the TON blockchain.
TAC is backed by notable entities such as TOP and developed by Pavel Altukhov, the CEO of Bemo Finance.
TAC utilises Polygon's Chain Development Kit (CDK) and Aggregated Layer (AggLayer) to enhance its capabilities.

Layer-2 solutions have become essential for enhancing scalability, interoperability, and functionality. Many blockchains already boast multiple Layer-2 chains, each designed to address specific needs.

However, the Open Network (TON) has yet to introduce a Layer-2 chain capable of facilitating communication with other blockchains or being compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains.

Enter the TON Application Layer (TAC), a new Layer-2 blockchain for TON, which aims to support all EVM-based applications, thereby expanding the TON and Telegram ecosystem.

What is the TON Application Layer?

The TON Application Layer (TAC) is a groundbreaking Layer-2 blockchain designed to bridge the TON blockchain with EVM-compatible protocols.

This means that developers can now build EVM-based applications on the TON network, leveraging its robust infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum and other EVM chains.

The project was founded by Pavel Altukhov, the CEO of Bemo Finance, one of the leading liquid staking protocols on TON with over $60 Million of Total Value Locked.

Altukhov is also the founder of VLG Digital, a crypto-focused asset management firm. TAC is backed by TOP or The Open Platform, which is a Web3 development company that also acts as an accelerator, ensuring a strong foundation for its development and adoption.

TAC is built using Polygon’s Chain Development Kit (CDK) and the Polygon Aggregated Layer or AggLayer, which provide a robust framework for developing scalable and interoperable Layer-2 solutions.

This technological foundation positions TAC as a vital component in the TON ecosystem, enhancing its capability to support diverse applications.

How Does Polygon’s SDK and AggLayer Help TAC?

Polygon's Chain Development Kit (CDK) is a comprehensive toolkit that enables developers to create highly scalable and interoperable Layer-2 blockchains. The CDK provides all the necessary components for blockchain development, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process.

The Polygon Aggregated Layer (AggLayer) further enhances TAC's capabilities by facilitating seamless communication between various blockchains, particularly EVM-compatible ones.

^{AggLayer’s Current and Upcoming Features / Source:}Polygon’s Official Documentation

The AggLayer acts as a network of interconnected Layer-2 chains, allowing for efficient data transfer and interoperability. This makes TAC a pivotal player in the broader blockchain ecosystem, capable of connecting TON with other prominent blockchains.

By utilising these advanced tools from Polygon, TAC can ensure a high level of scalability, interoperability, and functionality, making it a powerful addition to the TON network.

TAC’s Consensus Mechanism

While the specifics of TAC’s consensus mechanism are still under development, it is expected to leverage the capabilities provided by Polygon’s CDK.

Typically, Polygon's CDK enables the creation of Layer-2 blockchains that utilise the primary layer's consensus mechanism or adopt a Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism inherent to Polygon’s framework.

Considering TON's existing infrastructure and the utilisation of Polygon’s CDK, it is plausible that TAC will adopt a PoS consensus mechanism.

This would align with the industry trend towards energy-efficient and scalable consensus algorithms. However, until further details are released, the exact consensus mechanism for TAC remains speculative.

Current State of TAC

Currently, detailed information about TAC is limited. The project, backed by TOP, has only revealed its logo and name, with no extensive documentation or technical specifics publicly available.

This leaves several critical aspects, such as the consensus mechanism, utility token, and funding details, still uncertain.

Despite the lack of comprehensive information, the buzz around TAC has been amplified by its coverage in leading crypto media outlets like Cointelegraph and Coindesk.

These publications have highlighted the potential of TAC to significantly enhance the TON ecosystem by enabling EVM-based applications and increasing the overall utility of the network.

Given the current state of TON and the anticipated capabilities of TAC, the introduction of an EVM Layer could substantially boost the number of decentralised applications (DApps) within the TON ecosystem.

TON already boasts its virtual machine, the TON Virtual Machine (TVM), which is detailed in the TON’s documentation. The integration of TAC is expected to complement TVM by offering broader compatibility and functionality.

Conclusion

The TON Application Layer (TAC) represents a significant step forward for the TON ecosystem, promising to enhance its interoperability and scalability by integrating EVM-compatible applications.

Backed by influential figures and entities, and utilising advanced tools from Polygon, TAC is poised to become a critical component in the TON network.

While many details remain under wraps, the potential impact of TAC on the TON and broader blockchain ecosystems is undeniably exciting.

As developments continue, the blockchain community eagerly awaits more information about this promising Layer-2 solution.

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Disclaimer: All the information presented in this publication and its affiliates is strictly for educational purposes only. It should not be construed or taken as financial, legal, investment, or any other form of advice.