What Is a Bridge? How Cross-Chain Transfer Works

What Is a Blockchain Bridge?

A bridge helps you move value from one blockchain to another. For example, you might use a bridge when moving an asset from Ethereum to Arbitrum or from one network to a different network supported by your wallet.

The original token does not literally travel between blockchains. The bridge coordinates the process so that an equivalent asset becomes available on the destination network.

How Does It Work?

1. You choose the asset and network you are sending from.
2. The bridge locks, burns or receives the asset on the source network.
3. An equivalent asset or available liquidity is delivered on the destination network.

The exact method depends on the bridge. This matters because different bridges can have different security, custody and recovery rules.

Bridge vs Swap

A swap changes one asset into another. A bridge changes the network. A cross-chain swap can do both in one flow. For example, it may convert ETH on Ethereum into USDC on Solana.

Using Cross-Chain Swaps in KriptoK

1. Open Swap.
2. Select the asset and network you are sending from.
3. Select the asset and network you want to receive.
4. Review the route, expected output, fees and estimated time.
5. Confirm the address, network and amount.

Available routes can change. If KriptoK does not show a route, do not send tokens directly to an unknown bridge address.

Main Risks

• The bridge or one of its smart contracts can be attacked.
• The asset received may be a wrapped version with additional issuer risk.
• Low liquidity can increase costs or delay completion.
• A wrong network or token contract can cause permanent loss.
• The source transaction can finish while the destination step is still pending.

For a new route or a large transfer, consider sending a small test amount first.

Related Reading

How to Swap in KriptoK

Which Chains Does KriptoK Support?

Sources

• Ethereum bridge documentation
• Ethereum smart-contract security

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