How It Works
Polygon PoS is an EVM-compatible sidechain that checkpoints its state to Ethereum every 30 minutes, providing data anchoring without inheriting full Ethereum security. Transactions are validated by ~100 Heimdall validators staking MATIC/POL, enabling ~65,000 TPS with ~2-second block times and fees under $0.01. Polygon zkEVM is a Type 2 ZK-rollup that executes Ethereum bytecode natively and posts validity proofs to Ethereum mainnet, inheriting full Ethereum security. The AggLayer architecture connects multiple ZK chains (Polygon PoS, zkEVM, and third-party chains) into a unified liquidity and messaging layer via ZK-proof aggregation.
Consensus Mechanism: Proof of Stake
Proof of Stake consensus selects block proposers based on the amount of cryptocurrency staked as collateral. Validators risk losing their stake (slashing) if they act dishonestly, creating economic security without energy expenditure. Stake-weighted selection means larger stakers have proportionally greater influence on block production.
Key Architecture Facts
| Category | Layer 2 |
| Consensus | Proof of Stake |
| Launched | 2017 |
| Founder | Sandeep Nailwal |