Tutorials:Layer II

Layer II Bridges and Wrapped Tokens

Layer II networks are solutions built on top of Layer I blockchains, like Ethereum, to improve scalability and reduce transaction costs. They help handle a large number of transactions off-chain while still relying on the main blockchain for security and finality.

The Polygon Network is a popular Layer II solution for Ethereum. It offers faster transactions and significantly lower fees, making it ideal for swapping and trading tokens. By using Polygon, users can enjoy the benefits of Ethereum's ecosystem—like smart contracts and dApps—without the high gas fees typically associated with the Ethereum mainnet.

Introduction to the Polygon Bridge and Wrapped Tokens

The Polygon Bridge is a tool that enables the transfer of tokens between the Ethereum and Polygon networks. Since these two blockchains operate independently, tokens cannot be directly moved between them. Instead, the tokens are wrapped when transferred across the bridge.

Wrapped tokens are representations of assets from one blockchain on another, maintained at a 1:1 ratio. In the case of Seasonal Tokens, they are produced through proof-of-work mining on the Ethereum network but are traded on the Polygon network due to its lower transaction fees. To facilitate this, users send their tokens through the Polygon Bridge. The bridge locks the original tokens on Ethereum and issues wrapped equivalents on Polygon, ensuring that the total supply remains consistent across both networks.

This mechanism allows Seasonal Tokens to be mined on Ethereum and traded efficiently on Polygon.

How to Connect MetaMask to the Polygon Network

1. Open MetaMask

• Ensure you have installed MetaMask and set up your wallet.

2. Add the Polygon Network Manually Go to the network selection dropdown (default is "Ethereum Mainnet") and click *"Add Network"*.

3. Enter Polygon Network Details

Select the network:

• Network Name: Polygon Mainnet

Additional Information:

• Currency Symbol: POL
• Block Explorer URL: https://polygonscan.com

POL is the symbol of the Polygon cryptocurrency, used to keep the Polygon blockchain decentralized and self sustainable. Like Ether is for the Ethereum network, or Bitcoin to the Bitcoin network.

4. Save and Switch to Polygon

Click *"Save"*. Now, you can switch between Ethereum Mainnet and Polygon Mainnet using the network drop down.

Metamask gives you two important messages:

1) Gas Fees are in POL, the native currency in the Polygon blockchain.

2) If you send tokens from one network to another you will loose them.

The only way to "move" tokens from one blockchain to another is using the Bridge technology.

Bridge Tokens from one Network to Another