Open 11 XCM channels with CFG, CRU, EWT, Kilt, Manta, MYTH, NEURO, PLMC, XRT, SUB, ZTG

Astar Network (Polkadot)
1

TL;DR

I propose Astar open XCM channels with the following parachains:

  • Centrifuge
  • Crust
  • EnergyWebX
  • Kilt
  • Manta
  • Mythical
  • Neuroweb (formerly Origin Trail)
  • Polimec
  • Robonomics
  • Subsocial
  • Zeitgeist

Summary

I’ve seen two problems that I’d like to solve.

  1. Several OG chains STILL only have one or two XCM channels open
  2. I hear some users ask when their favorite parachain token will be available on a DEX and the answer is “once the team opens an XCM channel”.

For some of smaller parachain teams, I’m sure that they’re focused on building their core product and maybe just haven’t gotten around to slowly working through the three step process of opening up an XCM channel with each additional parachain. Therefore I’m trying to get over that friction by opening lots of channels with trusted teams to increase the connectedness between Polkadot parachains. This will open up additional DeFi opportunities, possible team integrations, and most importantly removing one of the technical barriers that is hampering normal users.

For Astar, the most immediate benefit is the ability to trade additional parachain tokens within Astar DeFi. Astar dApps like Arthswap, Algem, SiO2, and Starlay could then offer swaps and lending for the parachain tokens.

Proposal

I propose Astar open bidirectional XCM channels with the following parachains: Centrifuge, Crust, EnergyWebX, Kilt, Manta, Mythical, Neuroweb, Polimec, Robonomics, Subsocial, Zeitgeist. If accepted, this will require execution of several batched extrinsics which I will submit for review at each stage.

Notes:
• Several of these parachains do not have enough DOT available in their relaychain child accounts to bond to open more HRMP/XCM channels. I am trying to solve that with a Polkadot treasury request to deposit up to 300 DOT into the child accounts of 14 parachains. Deposit DOT into parachain child accounts to accelerate opening XCM channels. Astar can go ahead and initiate opening channels and then those chains can reciprocate once funds are deposited.
• Robonomics just won their Polkadot slot and to my knowledge hasn’t launched yet. But it’s ok to go ahead and initiate channel opening with the relaychain so that Robonomics can accept when ready.
• Manta seems reluctant to open channels, having ignored a Hydra request for six months, but has opened a channel with Moonbeam. I propose still taking the first step by initiating opening a channel.

Technical details

The general procedure for opening each XCM channel is as follows:
1. Astar initializes a proposal to open an Astar → ParachainB HRMP channel.
2. Parachain B governance accepts the incoming Astar HRMP channel request and initiates a request to open a return HRMP channel from Parachain B → Astar. In the same referendum, register ASTR on the chain (if they have a suitable pallet like assetRegistry integrated).
3. Astar accepts the incoming return channel and registers Parachain B’s token.

For Zeitgeist, we will likely execute this process in reverse order because I have already submitted a ZTG governance proposal which includes initiating a channel with Astar: Initiate opening 16 XCM channels to other active parachains. Therefore Astar would start with Step 2 of accepting the incoming channel, registering ZTG, and initiating a return channel to Zeitgeist.

Note that I have already executed similar proposals on Interlay and Bifrost to open an additional 10 and 12 channels. As all of these init/open requests accumulate from the DeFi chains to the non-DeFi chains, I’m hoping that I’ll be able to batch the channel acceptances and asset registrations on each of the destination chains, to minimize how many governance proposals (and voter fatigue) are required.

4 Likes
2

This is an excellent move towards improving linkages and redefining new areas of decentralized finance within the Polkadot network.

However, I am worried about making sure that these channels do not become wasted. We ought to emphasize on identifying real usecase for ASTR and guarantee that any new associations will provide genuine advantages to a populace as opposed to merely creating connections which could go unfilled.

2 Likes
3

Hi, good proposal.
Basically, I agree with opening channels with other parachaines.

Now I think Matt is right, it’s just a matter of whether it would be a waste of resources.

4

I think this can be beneficial for the whole Polkadot Ecosystem , this is an important step to accomplish to avoid the lack of users interest into Dot parachains. I will support the proposal

5

I am always in favor of opening xcm channels and improving interoperability, but unless I am wrong, the channels should be opened in both directions. I think it is
better if each team/parachain requests it

6

Correct, as explained in my proposal opening an XCM channel always involves 3-4 steps (init, accept, init, accept). This proposal is for the Astar community to agree to proceed with both necessary governance transactions to complete opening the channel.

Usually, Astar forum only has one proposal/action because the requesting parachain team has already completed the first step of initiating opening the first HRMP channel.

This time is different. I see several smaller teams have not initiated opening channels so I’m trying to help them do it. And it’s more efficient to group them together to reduce the number of proposals and referenda required on all chains. So for instance Mythos already received a channel open request from Bifrost, Interlay, and currently voting in Zeitgeist. Astar would submit a channel open request as well, as part of this proposal. Then on Mythos I’ll propose a single referendum to accept each of these, send channel open requests back, and register assets BNC, INTR, ASTR.

2 Likes
7

I am removing Manta from the list of proposed channels. Although MANTA has a large market cap and would be great to support trading on Astar DEXs, I just saw a twitter post from July where the Manta team is actively avoiding further Polkadot integrations.

1 Like
8

I completely agree—this is a significant step forward for strengthening connections and exploring new opportunities within Polkadot network. It’s exciting to see the potential for growth.

However, I share Matts concern about ensuring these channels are fully utilized. It’s crucial that we focus on identifying practical and impactful use cases for ASTR. And not open it put the effort in it and no uses it.

9

Awesome… interoperability is the key, making ASTR a multichain asset and more valuable. I am not sure how difficult it is to open XCM and maintain the channel, but I totally approve it.

1 Like
10

It seems for Manta, they will abandon their parachain.

For your proposal I totally agreed with Mythical. But for others I don’t know whether they could brought interoperability with Astar or not. It is easier to decide if its opening an XCM integration with more user-faced chain, as Astar is more user-faced.

11

You have my support. :+1:

1 Like
12

This seems like it would be very beneficial for the Astar Ecosystem. I’m not very knowledgeable about technical matters. So, if I may, I’d like to ask a few more questions:

  1. I understand that connecting would likely involve some costs. On the other hand, from a business perspective, what targets in terms of numbers does the team envision, both for users and developers?

  2. What’s the timeline for developing this? Are there any details available?

  3. In terms of connectivity, can we do it right away, or do we need to contact those specific chains first? This is so that from a business standpoint, we can build on each other’s work, one way or another.

13

Good proposal, expanding the echo with XCM is a great advance, this way Astar users can take full advantage of their assets in other networks.

1 Like
14

2: I should be able to complete most of this work by end of September. Maybe into October.
3: I will have to contact each chain individually, figure out their governance process, and submit on-chain referenda. It’ll be quite a bit of work which I think is why some of these channels weren’t opened in the first place. I’m trying to re-use my recent experience with this process to help many chains at the same time. My strategy is to start by initiating lots of channels from the established DeFi chains (like Astar) and then batch accept and return the channel open requests for each of the smaller chains to make it go quicker.

1 Like
15

Thank you very much. I received a very clear answer. Anyway, if you encounter any issues or need assistance, please feel free to give feedback. =)

1 Like
16

Proposed first transaction for Astar to send:
Polkadot call: 0x1a00343c00d8070000e8030000009001003c00ef070000e8030000009001003c00fb070000e8030000009001003c0026080000e8030000009001003c0035080000e8030000009001003c000a0d0000e8030000009001003c000c0d0000e8030000009001003c00100d0000e8030000009001003c00110d0000e8030000009001003c00290d0000e8030000009001003c003c0d0000e8030000009001003c002c080000e8030000009001003c012c080000
wrapped as Astar XCM call: 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

this will initiate HRMP channels with:
Crust (2008), CFG (2031), Neuroweb (2043), KILT (2086), Subsocial (2101), Peaq (3338), InvArch (3340), Polimec (3344), EnergyWeb (3345), Mythical (3369), Robonomics (3388), Zeitgeist (2092)
It will also accept incoming HRMP channel from Zeitgeist, since I assume it will be executed after live Zeitgest ref 65 which will initialize opening an HRMP channel to Astar.

I have not tested this call because Astar doesn’t integrate the preimage pallet. But the XCM call setup is identical to what I’ve used on Interlay, Bifrost, and Zeitgeist.

17

Thank you for an update. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to tell us =)

1 Like
18

I support this proposal.
It might be reasonable to suggest opening multiple XCM channels simultaneously.

1 Like
19

Thanks for the explanation and I support your proposal.

1 Like
20

Hey, as you have a lot of support for your proposal, I wanted to ask what the next steps to achieve this?