TL;DR
- Off-Chain Power: Marlin boosts smart contracts with verifiable off-chain computing via TEEs (Trusted Execution Environments) and ZK proofs (Zero-Knowledge proofs).
- Key Products:
- Oyster: Uses TEEs for secure computation.
- Kalypso: Leverages ZK proofs for correctness.
- Serverless & Scalable: Autoscaling, fault tolerance, and “fire-and-forget” deployment streamline developer workflows.
- GPU-Powered: Supports AI-driven DeFi apps, games, and low-latency orderbook exchanges via HTTPS endpoints.
Introduction
Blockchains face scalability challenges due to redundant transaction processing. Layer 2 solutions like rollups still lack access to off-chain data or low-latency execution. Marlin solves this by acting as a decentralized coprocessor, enabling complex computations off-chain while ensuring results are verifiable via ZK proofs or TEEs.
👉 Discover how Marlin transforms decentralized computing
What Is Marlin?
Marlin is a verifiable computing protocol where nodes execute programs written in Solidity, C++, Rust, or Go (via WASM). Key features:
– Decentralized Network: Nodes run programs off-chain, invoked via smart contracts.
– Serverless: Automatic instance creation handles spikes in workload.
– Flexible Outputs: Results can be relayed on-chain or accessed via APIs.
Release History
| Milestone | Description |
|---|---|
| Q4 2019 (OpenWeaver) | Launched low-latency global relay networks. |
| Q2 2020 (Marlin Cache) | Enabled nodes to cache frequently used data. |
| Q4 2020 (Marlin Relay) | Scaled to 800+ public nodes. |
| Q2 2022 (Oyster) | Added TEE-based computation. |
| Q4 2023 (Kalypso) | Introduced ZK proof outsourcing. |
How Does Marlin Work?
Marlin’s architecture comprises three node types:
1. Gateway Nodes
- Role: Receive/compute requests and balance loads.
- Key Feature: Detect node failures and auto-reassign tasks (serverless execution).
2. Execution Nodes
- Hardware: Includes GPUs, ASICs, and standard servers.
- Use Cases: Runs ML models, ZK proof generation, and trading algorithms.
3. Monitoring Nodes
- Security: Slashes stakes of nodes violating SLAs (uptime/performance).
Correctness Guarantees:
– TEEs: Isolate code execution to prevent tampering.
– ZK Proofs: Cryptographically verify results on-chain.
👉 Explore Marlin’s node infrastructure
What Makes Marlin Unique?
- Cross-Chain Compatibility: Works with any L1/L2 blockchain.
- Off-Chain Data Access: Fetches data from Web2 APIs or archival nodes.
- Parallel Computing: Nodes process tasks concurrently (no redundancy).
- HTTPS Support: Oyster nodes terminate TLS for secure endpoints.
- ZK Flexibility: Kalypso supports any ZK circuit or proving system.
What Is the POND Token?
- Staking: Nodes stake POND to join the network; misbehavior leads to slashing.
- Security: Ensures protocol adherence and honest node operation.
FAQ
Q1: How does Marlin reduce costs compared to on-chain computation?
A1: By executing programs once off-chain (instead of redundantly on all nodes) and verifying results cheaply via ZK proofs/TEEs.
Q2: Can Marlin be used with Ethereum and Polygon?