Lava network founder discusses RPC protocols and current challenges

In a candid interview with crypto.news, Yair Cleper, the CEO and founder of Lava network, shared insights about the complexities of Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocols and their impact on the advancement of blockchain technology.

Blockchain applications interact with the blockchain through RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls), making them crucial for creating decentralized apps (dApps). However, issues surrounding RPC dependability have emerged as a significant concern within the cryptocurrency community.

Recently, interruptions in Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services have caused issues with significant networks such as Solana and Manta, leading to widespread demands across the industry for enhanced RPC infrastructure.

Cleper’s Lava Network developed a service that bridges dapps with top-tier RPC suppliers, aiming to tackle issues within blockchain networks and providing valuable perspectives on this topic.

What are some of the key factors contributing to RPC unreliability in various blockchain ecosystems?

The causes of RPC (Remote Procedure Call) instability vary depending on the specific blockchain ecosystem. On Ethereum, for instance, instability arises mainly due to its centralized nature, with a few key providers handling most of the network traffic. In such cases, if these providers go offline, dapp users are unable to connect to Ethereum. On the other hand, in the case of newer or less-established blockchains, RPC instability is often due to the fact that RPC services are largely provided by community members who voluntarily run nodes.

Is there a way to address these?

One approach to enhancing dependability is to simplify the process for users to change suppliers when necessary, making it clear and convenient for them to do so. Additionally, encouraging a variety of suppliers within the ecosystem can help prevent excessive reliance on a limited number of options.

From your point of view, what are the wider impacts on dApp developers and their users if a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) goes down in the blockchain community?

If RPC servers (Remote Procedure Call) fail, it may seem to users as if the blockchain itself has stopped functioning. Previous occurrences of outages or network congestion have prevented users from accessing various chains. This was particularly evident during Ethereum’s DeFi and NFT boom when a large-scale NFT minting event could cause multiple RPC providers to malfunction.

Can developers mitigate such risks? 

Developers can minimize these risks by opting for a decentralized and robust service such as Lava. This platform gathers various RPC (Remote Procedure Call) providers into a single network and features automatic backup options when suppliers go offline. Some developers currently employ alternatives like load balancers to achieve the same effect.

In simpler terms, recent prominent disruptions in Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services for decentralized apps (dapps) have revealed weaknesses in the current dapp infrastructure. What measures does Lava take to lessen these risks and provide assurance of uninterrupted use for both users and developers?

Lava is creating a simple and accessible way for chains and rollups to initiate their RPC (Remote Procedure Call) and API (Application Programming Interface) setup via a method called Incentivized Public RPC. We’re designing Lava with several key features in mind:

Are any chains already implementing this?

Lava currently collaborates with various chains such as NEAR, Evmos, and Axelar to initiate, enhance, and distribute their infrastructure.

What were your thoughts on the development of decentralized data access layers in relation to technology and popularity over time?

Lava is built with flexibility in mind as a data access layer for networks, going beyond just RPC capabilities. With the rise of blockchain adoption, Lava aims to provide more intricate and customized APIs that can fetch indexed data tailored to specific dApps or smart contracts. Initially, data access layers mainly assisted chains in hosting more dApps. However, as dApps evolve into standalone blockchains, Lava’s ability to seamlessly add new chains faster than centralized alternatives will become crucial.

So will RPC providers play a key role in the evolution of blockchain tech? 

If you’re a developer of decentralized applications (dApps) or rollups, infrastructure in the form of Remote Procedure Calls (RPC) is essential for you, and Lava is the only platform that provides solutions for both.

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2024-04-23 14:54