📖
Web3 Encyclopedia
  • Welcome aboard!
  • Source
  • 😀Evolution from Web 1.0 to Web 3.0
    • Web 1.0 Web 2.0 Web 3.0
    • Key Features
    • Current Limitations
    • Future of Web 3.0
    • Learn: What Is Web3?
    • Learn: Will Every Brand Have a Web3 Strategy?
    • Learn: Big Ideas in 2023
    • Learn: The Web3 Paradox: Why Scaling Usage Alone Won't Lead to Mass Adoption?
    • Learn: Is Web3 A Marketing Buzz or Tech Revolution?
    • Learn: What is the relationship between blockchain and Web3?
    • Learn:Empowering Women in Web 3.0: The Role and Contributions of Women in Blockchain, DeFi, and dApp
    • Learn: Web 3.0 and the Future of E-Commerce
    • Learn: 12 ways ecosystem projects can attract more developers
    • Learn: How Web3 is Impacting Education?
    • Learn: Web3 And The Future Of Digital Advertising
    • Learn: Web3’s impact on personalization, trust and engagement
    • Learn: Web3-Powered Identity Management -- Unlocking the Benefits of Decentralization
    • Learn: Why Web2 companies fail in Web3 while others made it?
    • Learn: To Identify or Not in a Web3 World?
    • 🤫[Insider Series] McKinsey x Web3
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 💲Blockchain Fundamentals
    • Why is Blockchain So Popular?
    • Introduction to Blockchain
    • Blockchain Misconceptions
    • Blockchain vs Bitcoin, Database, Cloud
    • Consensus Mechanism
    • Public and Private Keys
    • Hash Functions and Cryptography
    • Sharding
    • Types of Blockchains: PoW, PoS and Private
    • Understanding Cryptocurrency
    • Coins vs Tokens
    • Blockchain Trilemma
    • Legality
    • Learn : Google’s Cloud Based Blockchain Node Service
    • Learn: How Blockchain, Digital assets, and Web3 Unlock Financial Inclusion Globally
    • Learn: Will Chinese-Made Crypto Soar Higher?
    • Learn: What Does MiCA Mean for Crypto in Europe?
    • Learn: Unraveling the Intricacies of Blockchain Forensics and Asset Tracking
    • Learn: Promising blockchain use cases in healthcare industry
    • Learn: The Role of Blockchain in Authenticating and Provenance Art
    • Learn: Blockchain-Based Digital Identity: Benefits, Risks, and Implementation Challenges
    • Learn: The Future of Energy Supply Chains
    • Learn: Revolutionizing smart contracts and cryptocurrency
    • Learn: Nigeria goes blockchain
    • Learn: A Game Changer for Online Gaming?
    • Learn: Is blockchain technology ready for high-storage applications?
    • Learn: Will Blockchain Technology Mark a Turning Point in Fraud Prevention?
    • Learn: Why ZK-rollups need data availability?
    • Learn: How will generative AI disrupt blockchain?
    • Learn: A New Blockchain for Generative AI?
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 🏟️Web3 Utilities
    • Decentralized Applications (dApps)
    • Cross-chain Bridges
    • DAO
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Learn: Is Community-building Essential for Web3 Startups?
    • Learn: ‘Decentralization Theater’
    • Learn: Crypto and AI- A yay or nay combination?
    • Learn: Dissecting the DAO
    • Learn: What is motivating Lido DAO to rise?
    • Learn: How to Turn Your Community Into a DAO?
    • Learn: The Key to Decentralized Decision Making
    • Learn: How Web 3.0 can disrupt the supply chain industry?
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 🪙Bitcoin
    • What is Bitcoin
    • Bitcoin's Blockchain Technology
    • UTXO Model and Transaction Fees
    • Bitcoin Mining and Mempool
    • Learn: What is bitcoin mining?
    • What are Hard Forks and Soft Forks
    • What is SegWit and the Lightning Network
    • Bitcoin Ecosystem
    • Can Bitcoin be Destroyed? Game Theory and Network Attacks
    • Learn: Crypto token supplies explained
    • Learn: What is crypto tax-loss harvesting, and how does it work?
    • Learn: Can Crypto Go Green? How to Invest in Eco-Friendly Cryptocurrencies
    • Learn: Why Did FTX Collapse? Here’s What to Know.
    • Learn: How Sam Bankman-Fried swindled $8 billion in customer money?
    • Learn: How much is Bitcoin worth today?
    • Learn: The Costs of Running a Bitcoin Node In Nigeria
    • Learn: Has 2022 Left Any Crypto Positives?
    • Learn: How Crypto Exchanges Can Be Free of Risk?
    • Learn: Greed, Lies and FTX: Is Crypto a Force for Good or Evil?
    • Learn: Is Crypto a Cultural Movement?
    • Learn: What are the consequences of crypto’s ongoing regulatory process?
    • Learn: Beyond the Crash and Embracing NFTs?
    • Learn: Understanding crypto bag holders and their mindset
    • Learn: Inscriptions: Just A Fad, Or A Real Threat To Bitcoin Becoming Decentralized Money?
    • Learn: How Bitcoin Ordinals Can Change the Future Of Mining?
    • Learn: What is a supernet?
    • Learn: Bitcoin Miners Celebrate 10 Years Since First ASIC, What Changed Since Then?
    • Learn: Bill Vs. CBDC – Why This US Congressman Wants To Block The Fed From Issuing A Digital Dollar?
    • Learn: Why Bitcoin Will Blow People’s Minds In 2025?
    • Learn: How the Howey Test Sheds Light on Cryptocurrency's Regulatory Gray Area
    • Learn: Cryptocurrency vs AI: A Complex Debate
    • Learn: Where the U.S. Government Went Wrong in Regulating Crypto?
    • Learn: The Nostr Privacy Paradox
    • Learn: Do algorithmic stablecoins have a future as centralized coins are under scrutiny?
    • Learn: Is Bitcoin Set To Revolutionize The Financial World With Its Superior Purchasing Power?
    • Learn: What is Shibarium, and what does it mean for Shiba Inu?
    • Learn: What is a crypto dusting attack?
    • Learn: Is the Adoption of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) the Future?
    • Learn: How Artificial Intelligence Could Revolutionize Crypto?
    • Learn: What’s next for EU’s crypto industry as European Parliament passes MiCA?
    • Learn: Why the EU Has MiCA and the U.S. Has Securities Law Confusion?
    • Learn: Six New Projects Looking to Mitigate Bitcoin Mining’s Energy Footprint
    • Learn: Who on Crypto Twitter chose not to pay for a blue checkmark?
    • Learn: What is the wash-sale rule in Crypto?
    • Learn: What is Pepecoin and can it flip memecoins Dogecoin and Shiba Inu?
    • Learn: Can you recover stolen Bitcoin from crypto scams?
    • Learn: What the ‘anti-mining bill’ means for the crypto industry in Texas?
    • Learn: Does the US have a crypto ‘tax loophole’ problem?
    • Learn: How users can stay protected?
    • Learn: How Crypto Revolutionize Cheaper and Faster Transactions?
    • Learn: Can NFTs and CFDs be BFFs?
    • Learn: A PR expert’s tips for memecoin projects
    • Learn: Why politicians aren't convinced about the Digital Euro?
    • Learn: How A 90-Year Old TA Theory Predicted The Sudden Bitcoin Boom?
    • Learn: Social Trading Platforms and CFDs: A New Paradigm in Investment
    • Learn: How could the Chinese economic crisis impact Bitcoin and crypto?
    • Learn: How do they compare: Bitcoin IRA vs. traditional IRA?
    • Learn: Why Tokenized Assets Are Safer During a Banking Crisis?
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 🛢️Ethereum
    • Bitcoin vs Ethereum
    • What can Ethereum do?
    • What is Ether (ETH)?
    • What's Unique About ETH?
    • What are Smart Contracts?
    • Energy Consumption?
    • Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
    • Pros & Cons of Smart Contracts
    • Decentralized Applications (dApps)
    • Ethereum Token Standards (ERC-20, ERC-721 and ERC-1155)
    • Evolution of Ethereum
    • How to Get Your First Ethereum
    • Learn: Next Ethereum Upgrade — Shanghai Upgrade
    • Learn: Tipping Scale for Crypto Adoption: Usability vs. Accessibility
    • Learn: Major Publicly Traded U.S. Bitcoin Miner Files For Chapter 11 – Impact On The Market?
    • Learn: 5 altcoin projects that made a real difference in 2022
    • Learn: How Tether Can Be a More Stable Stablecoin?
    • Learn: Are the Ethereum Killers Still Deadly?
    • Learn: What Ethereum Tech Trends Are Weathering the Bear Market?
    • Learn: How Ethereum’s token burns are making it a deflationary cryptocurrency?
    • Learn: A few things to know about Ethereum's Shanghai Upgrade
    • Learn: The Role of Enterprise Ethereum
    • Learn: Understanding Layer 2 Scaling Solutions for the Ethereum Network
    • Learn: The Battle of Giants: Bitcoin vs Ethereum
    • Learn: Cryptography, Smart Contracts and Distributed Networks
    • Learn: The Memecoin Grift and How It Threatens Ethereum Culture
    • Learn: What Is Ethereum’s ‘Data Availability' Problem, and Why Does It Matter?
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 👛Wallet
    • What is a Blockchain Wallet?
    • Hardware / Software Wallet
    • How to Get Your First Cryptocurrency
    • Setting up Metamask Wallet
    • Learn: How to connect the Avalanche network to MetaMask?
    • Learn: How to pass on your crypto when you die?
    • Learn: What are hierarchical deterministic (HD) crypto wallets?
    • Learn: Pros and Cons of Digital Wallets
    • Learn : How Web 3.0 Wallets Are Redefining Digital Asset Security?
    • Learn: Open source: Buzzword or real security for crypto wallets?
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 🌕New & Rising Protocols
    • Binance
    • NEAR
    • Solana
    • Fantom
    • Polygon
    • Cardano
    • Polkadot
    • Cosmos
    • Harmony
    • Cronos
    • Optimism
    • Terra
    • Who Will Win the L1 Wars?
    • Learn: New Layer 1 Blockchains Are Expanding the DeFi Ecosystem But No Eth Killers Yet
    • Learn: Is an Increased Focus on Layer-2 Scaling and ZK Technology Justified?
    • Learn: What Are the Stakes in the SEC vs. Ripple Case?
    • Learn: What is The Graph, and how does it work?
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 📈Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
    • CEX vs DEX
    • CeFi vs DeFi
    • Algorithmic Stablecoins
    • Airdrop
    • Liquidity Pool
    • Impermanent Loss
    • Swapping
    • Wrapped Token
    • Arbitrage Opportunities
    • Staking
    • Yield Farming
    • Total Value Locked (TVL)
    • Gas Fees
    • Lending & Borrowing
    • Useful Tools
    • Activity: Uniswap & Pancake Swap
    • Learn: Automated Market Makers (AMMs) in DeFi
    • Learn: Crypto Moving towards ESG: What Is Regenerative Finance (ReFi)
    • Learn: What Is dYdX? Understanding the Decentralized Crypto Exchange
    • Learn: It's A Wrap - DeFi in 2022
    • Learn: Why DeFi should expect more hacks this year?
    • Learn: The Security Challenges of DeFi
    • Learn: The Promising Future of Decentralized Social Media on Web 3.0
    • Learn: Can CBDCs, Tokenized Deposits, Stablecoins and DeFi Coexist?
    • Learn: The Increasing Popularity of DeFi and Its Potential to Disrupt Traditional Finance
    • Learn: The future of DeFi is ReFi
    • Learn: DeFi aggregation
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 🙈Non-Fungible Token (NFT)
    • What are NFTs?
    • Case Study
    • Storage
    • Who are the Players?
    • NFT Marketplace
    • NFT Useful Resources
    • Activity: Mint Your Own NFT
    • Learn: How You Can Prevent Hackers From Stealing Your NFTs?
    • Learn: What Is an NFT Floor Price?
    • Learn: Should Bored Ape buyers be legally entitled to refunds?
    • Learn: China’s view of NFTs different from rest of the world’s
    • Learn: NFTs IRL: How Digital Collectibles Are Forging Offline Experiences
    • Learn: How NFT Brands Can Cut Through The Noise
    • Learn: How Web3 disrupts the music sector?
    • Learn: Unlockable content in NFTs
    • Learn: Why Meta Matters in NFTs?
    • Learn: Should NFT Marketplaces Become Centralized?
    • Learn: Hermès vs. MetaBirkins: The NFT Case That Could Have Major Trademark and Artistic Consequence
    • Learn: What are phygital NFTs, and how do they work?
    • Learn: What is NFT ticketing and how does it work?
    • Learn: Why Solana NFT marketplace is seeing less active users?
    • Learn: NFTs and Intellectual Property
    • Learn: How AI Is Changing Artistic Creation and Challenging IP Laws?
    • Learn: The Future of NFTs: Exploring Dynamic NFTs and Their Versatile Use Cases
    • Learn: NFTs in the event and ticketing industry
    • Learn: What is NFT rarity, and how to calculate it?
    • Learn: What happens to your NFTs when you die?
    • Learn: Dogecoin-Like Spike in Milady NFTs After Elon Musk’s Tweet, But Will It Last?
    • Learn: What are NFT royalties, and how do they work?
    • Learn: How developers aim to store crypto inside NFTs?
    • Learn: Generative Art NFTs: What Are They & Why Are They So Popular?
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 💗Metaverse
    • What is the Metaverse?
    • Metaverse Economy
    • Metaverse Companies
    • GameFi
    • Learn: Are We in the Metaverse Yet?
    • Learn: Can the Metaverse exist without blockchain?
    • Learn: Can the Metaverse Facilitate Sustainable Growth of Defi Systems?
    • Learn: What is the role of biometrics in the metaverse?
    • Learn: Can metaverse be the future court?
    • Learn: Metaverse Fashion Is on the Rise, but for Whom?
    • Learn: Sustainability in the Metaverse: Challenges and Opportunities
    • Learn: How To Build A Responsible Metaverse?
    • Learn: What is a VTuber, and how do you become one?
    • Learn: How proof-of-identity provides human experiences?
    • Learn: The “Metaverse” Next Frontier for Business: Impact And Challenges
    • Learn: The 5 Biggest Misconceptions About The Metaverse
    • Learn: Why culture and ownership are critical to the metaverse?
    • TL;DR 👀
  • 👾Career in Web3 (coming soon)
    • Developers
    • Moderators
    • Community Managers
    • UI/ UX Designers
    • Digital Fashion Designers
  • 🌱Sustainability (Coming Soon)
    • Industry Effort
    • Co-author
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On this page
  • What is a supernet?
  • How does a supernet work?
  • How to supernet a network
  • How to identify a supernet address
  • Advantages of supernetting
  • Disadvantages of supernetting
  • What is the difference between a subnet and supernet?
  • How to manage supernets
  1. Bitcoin

Learn: What is a supernet?

A supernet or umbrella network combines multiple smaller networks or blockchains into one larger network.

PreviousLearn: How Bitcoin Ordinals Can Change the Future Of Mining?NextLearn: Bitcoin Miners Celebrate 10 Years Since First ASIC, What Changed Since Then?

Last updated 2 years ago

Supernets enable communication among distinct blockchain networks, considerably improving the usefulness of the overall system by enabling the transfer of assets and data among .

Furthermore, shared infrastructure and resources can be made possible by interconnected networks, which can lower costs and boost overall effectiveness. By making assets accessible across numerous networks, they can significantly improve their liquidity, which will raise the assets’ value.

This article will discuss the concept of a supernet, how to implement supernetting, the advantages and disadvantages of supernetting, and how it’s different from a subnet.

What is a supernet?

A supernet, also known as a metanet, is a network of networks that allows among different blockchain networks. The idea behind a supernet is to create a decentralized network that allows different blockchain platforms to communicate and interact with one another without the need for a centralized intermediary, creating a unified ecosystem. Moreover, the effectiveness and speed of transactions and communications among various blockchains can be significantly increased as a result.

A supernet also has the advantage of facilitating the development of new decentralized services and apps that can combine the strengths of many blockchains. This may create fresh opportunities for development and innovation in the blockchain industry. Cross-chain communication is another feature of supernet that enables chains to connect and transact with one another, increasing the value for users.

How does a supernet work?

To implement a supernet, various protocols and technologies, such as atomic swaps, cross-chain communication protocols and , are used. These technologies allow different blockchains to communicate and interact with one another and can be thought of as a kind of .

Atomic swaps, sometimes referred to as atomic cross-chain trade, enable without the use of centralized intermediaries. This is accomplished by developing a smart contract on one blockchain that encrypts the assets being traded, unlocks them once the trade is complete, and releases them on the other blockchain. This allows assets to be transferred between blockchains without the need for a .

To enable communication and interaction across several blockchains, cross-chain communication protocols, such as and , are employed. These protocols enable the exchange of information and assets among many blockchains and the development of decentralized apps that can combine the advantages of various blockchains.

Another technology utilized in a supernet is sidechains. A sidechain is an additional blockchain that is connected to a main blockchain and permits the movement of assets between the two. This allows for greater scalability and privacy, as well as the ability to experiment with new technologies and without affecting the main blockchain.

How to supernet a network

A supernet, or network of networks, can be built using a variety of technologies and protocols, and it is a complicated process. Here is a general overview of the steps involved in creating a supernet:

Identify the networks to be connected

The process of building a supernet begins with identifying the various blockchain networks that are to be linked. To facilitate smooth communication and interaction, these networks should have identical protocols and objectives.

Implement atomic swaps

A crucial piece of technology to enable the transfer of assets among various blockchains, atomic swaps allow cross-chain trade among various blockchains.

Develop cross-chain communication protocols

Cross-chain communication protocols, such as Cosmos and other corresponding protocols, must be created to enable communication and interaction across various blockchains. These protocols enable the exchange of information and assets between several blockchains.

Create sidechains

A sidechain is a separate blockchain that runs parallel to a main blockchain and is connected to it through a two-way peg. This means that assets can be transferred from the main blockchain to the sidechain and vice versa. Each sidechain in a supernet has a specialized function, such as providing privacy and scalability or supporting particular assets.

Test and deploy

Once the supernet infrastructure is set up, it’s vital to test it thoroughly before deploying it. This step will help identify and fix any bugs or errors that may exist.

Promotion

The next stage once the supernet is set up is to promote the use of the brand-new infrastructure. Building a developer community, forming alliances with other initiatives, and putting in place rewards for people who join the network can all help achieve this.

The above steps offer a general overview of creating a supernet and the process can be complex and require different levels of expertise, depending on the specific use case.

How to identify a supernet address

A network address that is produced by fusing many network addresses is known as a supernet address. The process of identifying a supernet address is called supernetting or classless inter-domain routing (CIDR).

The following steps can be used to identify a supernet address:

For instance, let’s say there are two networks:

To supernet these two networks, one needs to find the largest network mask that can encompass both of them. In this case, the largest mask that would work is a /23 mask (255.255.254.0). The new network mass can be obtained by counting the shared leading bits in the network section of the addresses. This allows one to generate a supernet address by aggregating both networks into a single, larger network, which they can represent as:

This supernet can be used in place of the two individual networks, and any IP address within the range of the supernet will be routed to the correct destination network. Supernetting helps to reduce the number of routes in the routing table, making it easier for routers to manage network traffic and improving the efficiency of IP address usage. However, it is important to note that the process of supernetting requires a good understanding of internet protocol (IP) addressing and network subnetting.

Advantages of supernetting

CIDR is a technique used to create a supernet address by combining multiple network addresses. It has several advantages, including:

  • Efficient use of IP addresses: More effective use of IP addresses is made possible by supernetting, which joins several networks into a single supernet. This can aid in IP address conservation and prevent IP address depletion.

  • Improved routing efficiency: Supernetting can help minimize the number of entries in routing tables, which can lower the amount of memory and processing power needed to route traffic, resulting in improved routing efficiency.

  • Easier network management: Supernetting can make network management easier by reducing the number of networks that need to be managed and configured. This can help to simplify network administration and reduce the number of errors and misconfigurations.

  • Increased security: By lowering the number of computer networks and potential attack surfaces, supernetting can also improve security by making it more challenging for hackers to breach the network.

  • Interoperability: It is a central feature of the SuperNet network and is achieved through the use of sidechains and cross-chain atomic swaps. This allows users to manage and trade digital assets across different blockchains in a seamless and efficient manner.

  • Scalability: Supernetting enables the construction of networks that may be expanded or contracted as necessary to meet changing demands.

Despite the above advantages, supernetting should be done with caution, as it can also introduce new security risks if not done properly.

Disadvantages of supernetting

While supernetting, also known as CIDR, has many advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

  • Complexity: It can be a challenging technique that necessitates a solid grasp of IP addressing and network subnetting to perform supernetting. Furthermore, it may necessitate the use of specialized software and hardware, increasing the cost and network complexity.

  • Security risks: If supernetting is done incorrectly, it can create new security problems. Combining several networks into a single supernet might increase the attack surface and make network security more challenging.

  • Compatibility issues: Supernetting can create compatibility issues with some network devices or software that may not support CIDR.

  • Increased complexity in routing: Supernetting can make it risky to find the proper path for packets, which can lead to an increase in routing complexity. Increased latency and poorer network performance may result from this.

  • Lack of granularity: Supernetting can make it more difficult to segment a network and create smaller, more secure subnets. Access control to particular network resources or devices may become more difficult as a result.

  • Limited scalability: Supernetting can limit scalability in the sense that it can create difficulties in adding new networks to the existing supernet.

However, the above drawbacks of supernetting can be mitigated by proper planning and execution and by using appropriate security measures to protect the network.

What is the difference between a subnet and supernet?

A smaller network, often called a subnet or subnetwork, is produced by segmenting a larger network into smaller, easier-to-manage networks. Subnetting divides a network into smaller, independent portions, improving structure and security.

Each subnet can be established and managed independently, and it can have its own set of network addresses. In large networks, such as those used by businesses or organizations, subnetting is a typical practice. On the other hand, multiple networks are linked together to form a supernet, which enables them to interact and communicate with one another to form a single ecosystem.

Here is a summary of supernetting vs. subnetting:

How to manage supernets

A thorough understanding of IP addressing and network subnetting is necessary for managing a supernet. Here are some general requirements for managing a supernet:

Develop a network plan

A thorough network strategy that specifies the goals and objectives of the network, as well as the particular requirements for each unique network that will be included in the supernet, must be created prior to the implementation of the supernet.

Establish governance

Establish clear lines of responsibility and decision-making processes for the supernet. This includes determining who will be responsible for managing the network, who will have access to it, and who will be able to make changes to the network’s configuration.

Train the staff

The supernet management team must possess the knowledge and abilities required to set up and run the network. They ought to receive instruction on how to use the particular technologies and protocols employed by the supernet.

Plan and implement network integration

Establish how the various networks will be connected to one another and how they will exchange resources as part of the bigger network integration. Then, install the required hardware and software to link the networks together and incorporate them into the supernet. This could comprise network management software, switches, routers and firewalls.

Use appropriate security measures

The use of proper security mechanisms, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, prevention systems and other security technologies, is essential to ensuring the network’s security.

Monitor and maintain the network

The network must be regularly monitored and maintained to ensure that it is operating effectively and that any problems are found and fixed quickly.

Use centralized management tools

Centralized management tools can help to simplify the management of the supernet by providing a single point of control for the entire network.

Keep the software updated

If the software is kept up to date, the network can be protected against known vulnerabilities and run the most recent security patches.

Document and troubleshoot

The network is easier to comprehend and administer with proper documentation and troubleshooting.

Test the network

Network testing on a regular basis might help find and fix any potential problems. Regular penetration testing and other security testing technologies can be used to accomplish this.

Overall, it is important to have a strong understanding of network infrastructure, security and management practices in order to effectively manage a supernet.

Steps to identify a supernet address
Supernet address
Subnet vs. Supernet
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different blockchains
interoperability and cross-communication
sidechains
“bridge” between different networks
cryptocurrency trading
centralized exchange
Cosmos
Polkadot
consensus mechanisms