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Movement Architecture Overview

Movement Labs is building a high-performance, scalable blockchain infrastructure leveraging the Move programming language and modular architecture. The Movement Network consists of multiple node types, a robust data availability layer, a shared sequencing mechanism, and a fast finality settlement module to ensure efficient transaction processing and security.

Node-Level Architecture

The Movement Network comprises various node types, each serving a specific role within the ecosystem.

Full Node

A full node provides the core functionality of the Movement network by:

  • Accepting transactions into a local mempool.
  • Batching transactions and forwarding them to the DA Light Node.
  • Executing blocks received from the Data Availability (DA) layer (called protoBlocks).
  • Offering API access to both optimistic and finalized states.
  • Enabling deterministic state transitions, leading to the creation of L2 blocks.

A full node can be configured in different modes:

  • Validator Node: Settles blocks via the Fast Finality Settlement (FFS) module.
  • Follower Node: Supports RPC services without requiring settlement permissions.
  • Archival Node: Maintains historical blockchain data but does not write new blocks.

Validator Node

Validator nodes play a critical role in ensuring transaction finality by:

  • Attesting to the correctness of state transitions.
  • Utilizing cryptographic mechanisms to verify transactions.
  • Initially depending on a Core-Validator, but transitioning towards a decentralized validation model.

Follower Node

A Follower Node enhances network scalability by:

  • Providing increased transaction ingestion capacity.
  • Supporting query operations on blockchain state.
  • Operating independently from validator permissions, making it ideal for RPC providers.

DA Light Node

A Data Availability (DA) Light Node is a standalone service handling:

  • Write operations: Forwarding signed transaction batches to the DA layer.
  • Read operations: Retrieving and verifying ordered protoBlocks.
  • Verification parameter updates (future feature).

Archival Node

An Archival Node is a read-only node that:

  • Synchronizes with the DA network.
  • Provides historical blockchain data.
  • Does not participate in transaction settlement or DA writing.

High-Level Architecture

movement high level overview

The Movement Network follows a modular blockchain design consisting of multiple interconnected components.

Data Availability (DA) Layer

The Celestia blockchain serves as the primary Data Availability (DA) layer, responsible for:

  • Storing transaction data in ordered protoBlocks.
  • Ensuring decentralized access to transaction history.
  • Preventing data censorship.

Transaction Sequencing

To protect the DA layer from spam:

  • Only authorized full nodes can sequence transaction batches.
  • These nodes organize user transactions into ordered batches.
  • Sequenced batches are sent to the DA layer via the DA Light Node.

Transaction Execution

  • Full nodes receive protoBlocks from the DA layer.
  • The transactions are executed, and an updated state root is generated.
  • L2 blocks are created, containing execution results and cryptographic proofs.

Settlement Layer

The Fast Finality Settlement (FFS) Module ensures quick and secure transaction finalization by:

  • Using validator attestations to confirm state transitions.
  • Checking against Layer 1 (L1) postconfirmed state roots for increased security.
  • Transitioning from a Core-Validator model to decentralized validation.
  • Requiring a supermajority of validator attestations to update state roots on L1.

Fees & Economic Model

Transaction fees are structured as:

fee = data_availability_fee + sequencing_fee + execution_fee + settlement_fee

These fees fund network services, ensuring decentralized economic sustainability.

Interoperability & Security

Movement enhances security and interoperability through:

  1. Shared Decentralized Sequencer: Ensures fair and censorship-resistant transaction ordering across multiple chains.
  2. Multi-Asset Staking: Allows staking of both native and non-native assets to enhance economic security.
  3. Fast Finality Settlement (FFS): Reduces transaction finality time compared to traditional rollups.
  4. Ethereum Integration: Move-based execution coexists with EVM bytecode, enabling compatibility with Ethereum-based applications.

Development Ecosystem

Developers on Movement Labs benefit from:

  • Move Frameworks: A robust development environment for Move-based smart contracts.
  • Indexers: A GraphQL-based API for querying blockchain data efficiently.
  • Wallet Standards: Support for Aptos Wallets, ensuring compatibility across multiple dApps.
  • Explorers: Block explorers to visualize transaction history and chain states.

By integrating Move-based execution, modular settlement, and decentralized sequencing, Movement Labs provides a fast, efficient, and developer-friendly environment for building on Web3.