🌌 Cosmos Ecosystem: IBC & Interchain
See how Tendermint enables cross-chain communication
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Tendermint powers the Cosmos ecosystem - an interconnected network of 250+ independent blockchains. Each chain uses Tendermint consensus and can communicate via IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) protocol.
The Internet of Blockchains
IBC Protocol
Trustless cross-chain communication between Tendermint chains
Cosmos SDK
Modular framework for building application-specific blockchains
Tendermint Core
BFT consensus engine providing instant finality
🔍 Interactive: Explore Cosmos Chains
Explore major chains in the Cosmos ecosystem powered by Tendermint:
Cosmos Hub
The first hub in the Cosmos network, designed for interchain security and communication.
TPS
~10,000
Block Time
~7s
Finality
Instant
Key Features:
- ✓Interchain Security: Shares security with consumer chains
- ✓IBC Router: Facilitates cross-chain communication
- ✓Liquid Staking: Allows staked ATOM to remain liquid
- ✓Governance: On-chain voting for protocol upgrades
Primary Use Case
Central hub for the Internet of Blockchains
IBC: Inter-Blockchain Communication
IBC is the protocol that enables Tendermint chains to communicate and transfer assets trustlessly. It's like TCP/IP for blockchains - a universal standard for interoperability.
Trustless Transfers
IBC uses light client verification to prove transactions on one chain to another. No trusted intermediaries or bridges required.
Cross-Chain Assets
Transfer tokens between chains while maintaining atomic safety. Tokens are locked on source chain and minted on destination chain.
Relayer Network
Independent relayers forward packets between chains. Anyone can run a relayer and earn fees for facilitating transfers.
Universal Standard
Over 100 chains connected via IBC with $10B+ in cross-chain transfers. Growing to include non-Tendermint chains.
Cosmos SDK Architecture
Application Layer
Your custom blockchain logic: tokens, governance, smart contracts, NFTs, etc.
Tendermint Core
Consensus and networking layer. Handles block production, validation, and P2P communication.
ABCI (Application Blockchain Interface) is the clean separation between consensus and application logic. Developers can focus on their app while Tendermint handles all the difficult distributed systems problems.
Notable Cosmos Projects
Binance Chain
High-performance DEX using Tendermint
Terra Classic
Algorithmic stablecoin ecosystem (historical)
Cronos
Crypto.com's EVM-compatible chain
Injective
Decentralized derivatives exchange
Ecosystem Comparison
| Metric | Cosmos | Polkadot | Avalanche |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consensus | Tendermint BFT | GRANDPA + BABE | Snowman |
| Chains | 250+ | ~50 parachains | ~40 subnets |
| Finality | Instant | ~60 seconds | ~1 second |
| Interoperability | IBC Protocol | XCM | Warp Messaging |
| Total TVL | $3B+ | $1.2B | $850M |