OKX, the fourth-largest crypto exchange, has announced the public mainnet launch of its new layer-2 blockchain, X Layer, marking a significant step in the trend of major crypto companies developing their own distributed networks.
X Layer: Built on Polygon’s CDK
X Layer leverages Polygon’s Chain Development Kit (CDK), a customizable toolkit enabling developers to create chains using zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. This launch follows OKX’s earlier testnet release in November 2023, where the chain was initially referred to as X1.
👉 Discover how X Layer enhances Ethereum scalability
Industry-Wide Layer-2 Adoption
The move aligns with broader industry trends, as exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken have also pursued proprietary layer-2 solutions:
- Coinbase launched Base, built on Optimism’s OP Stack, in August 2023.
- Kraken is reportedly exploring its own L2 network.
OKX’s press release highlighted contributions to CDK’s codebase and integration with Polygon’s AggLayer, a liquidity-unification solution for chains deployed via Polygon’s technology.
Ecosystem Access and Future Vision
X Layer grants users access to 170+ decentralized applications (dApps), with more planned. OKX’s CMO, Haider Rafique, described the vision:
“X Layer and other L2 chains serve as Web3’s highway infrastructure, with dApps as marketplaces and self-hosted wallets as vehicles.”
Polygon Labs CEO Mark Boiron emphasized seamless onboarding for OKX’s 50M users into X Layer and AggLayer-connected chains.
FAQs
1. What is X Layer?
X Layer is OKX’s Polygon CDK-powered layer-2 blockchain designed to enhance Ethereum scalability and reduce transaction costs.
2. How does X Layer connect to Polygon?
Via AggLayer, Polygon’s liquidity-aggregation hub for CDK-based chains.
3. What dApps are available on X Layer?
Over 170 dApps are live, spanning DeFi, NFTs, and gaming, with more expected soon.
👉 Explore X Layer’s dApp ecosystem
Keywords:
- X Layer
- Polygon CDK
- OKX
- AggLayer
- Layer-2 blockchain
- Zero-knowledge technology
- Decentralized applications (dApps)
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