The Astar network architecture has two layers. The base layer is a layer 1 blockchain built using the Substrate blockchain framework. Astar's second layer is a scaling solution created using a fork of the Optimistic Virtual Machine (OVM) invented by the Plasma Group. The
The OVM module available on Astar allows developers to customize their scaling designs. Projects can connect their application layers to the Astar base layer using Plasma or roll-up types, such as optimistic or zero-knowledge (ZK) roll-up. Any Layer 2 solution on Astar stores data and periodically commits state transitions to the Astar Layer 1 chain.
The base layer built using the substrate will be a parachain connected to the Polkadot relay chain. Astar will support both the native WebAssembly virtual machine and an EVM module to support smart contracts written in Solidity or Vyper. Astar Network will also have a so-called XVM (Cross Virtual Machine) which aims to make two virtual machines on the network interact with each other. Finally, Solidity smart contracts on Astar's EVM module will be able to call ink! smart contracts the network's WebAssembly module seamlessly.
Use of Native tokens in the ecosystem:
ASTR token is used for facilitating the governance activities such as voting and referenda.