Polkadot (DOT) Indicates Main Types of Bridges to External Networks

Due to its unique parachain architecture, Polkadot (DOT) is known as a pioneer in cross-chain interoperability. But what about its interaction with other networks? Here's why this type of system is of paramount importance for Polkadot (DOT).

Why do we need cross-network bridges on Polkadot (DOT)?

First of all, cross-network interoperability will be crucial in real-world blockchain use cases. For instance, an insurance company, its client and his/her bank might use different blockchains for their operations. That is why, to act as a single system, it will need cross-network bridges.

One more type of obvious use case for cross-chain bridges includes the connection of "Internet-of-Things" devices (microcontrollers, "smart plugs," etc.) to data systems.

That is why Polkadot (DOT) is highly focused on building decentralized cross-network bridges. The first example of how Polkadot (DOT) implements this concept is the Substrate-native "generic chain."

Developed by Parity Technologies, it ensures the seamless interaction between Polkadot (DOT) and its "sister" testnet chain, Kusama (KSM). It is also compatible with other Substrate chains.

Bridging Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Eos (EOS) with Polkadot

Besides the existing chain, there are a number of experiments with cross-network bridges backed by Web3 Foundation grants. The Interlay team is working on a trustless bridge between Polkadot (DOT) and Bitcoin (BTC). With Interlay, users will be able to mint Bitcoin-pegged assets PolkaBTC on Polkadot (DOT).

Snowfork is tasked with developing a direct bridge between Ethereum (ETH) and Polkadot (DOT). Snowfork allows Polkadot-based applications to send DAI stablecoin directly to Ethereum (ETH).

Also, Bifrost has deployed a testnet EOS-Polkadot bridge, Bifrost Asgard CC3. Further, Bifrost's releases will allow interaction with EOS.IO-based smart contracts.

Alongside that, bridges to Binance Smart Chain (BSC), Tron (TRX) and Filecoin (FIL) are under construction.