Skip to main content

Architecture

Router Protocol is built on the concept of a programmable execution graph: a dynamic network where bridges, DEXs, solvers, and messaging protocols act as nodes and edges, enabling unified, fault-tolerant cross-chain workflows.

Router OGA Architecture Flow Chart showing the programmable execution graph with nodes, edges, bridges, DEXs, and messaging protocols

Programmable Execution Graph​

The defining idea of Router Protocol is that of a programmable execution graph: a dynamic network where bridges, DEXs, solvers, and messaging protocols act as nodes and edges, enabling unified, fault-tolerant cross-chain workflows. In contrast to earlier systems where execution was locked into monolithic paths, Router's graph-based architecture enables dynamic routing and composability.

Core Primitives​

Router OGA consists of six core primitives that work together to provide efficient, reliable cross-chain execution:

1. Permissionless Node Registry & Reputation​

Instantly onboards bridges, DEXs, and solver nodes under EIP-712 authentication, with on-chain reputation scoring to favor reliable execution.

Key Features:

  • EIP-712 Authentication: Secure, standardized node onboarding
  • On-chain Reputation Scoring: Real-time reputation tracking to favor reliable execution
  • Permissionless: Anyone can register a node and participate in the network
  • Dynamic Discovery: Nodes are discovered and registered automatically

2. Split-and-Optimize Engine​

Parallelizes large orders into sub-tranches across multiple venues, achieving sub-10 bps slippage on trades up to $50 million.

How it Works:

  • Order Splitting: Large orders are automatically split into optimal sub-tranches
  • Parallel Execution: Sub-tranches execute in parallel across multiple venues
  • Cost Optimization: Real-time calculation of splitting benefits versus additional gas
  • Scale Benefits: Larger network creates compounding benefits through economies of scale

Benefits:

  • Sub-10 bps execution costs on block-size trades
  • Handles trades up to $50 million
  • Optimal capital allocation across venues
  • Reduced slippage through parallel execution

3. Unified Messaging Hub & Isolated Revert Logic​

Adapts between cross-chain protocols (LayerZero, Wormhole, etc.) at runtime and confines failures to individual hops, reducing end-to-end revert risk below 0.5%.

Key Features:

  • Protocol Adaptation: Automatically adapts between different cross-chain messaging protocols
  • Isolated Revert Logic: Failures are confined to individual hops, not the entire transaction
  • Partial Execution: Users receive partial execution benefits even when some infrastructure fails
  • Fault Tolerance: System continues operating even when individual nodes fail

Security Benefits:

  • Reduced Exposure: Users receive partial execution benefits even when some infrastructure is compromised
  • Limited Attack Rewards: Per-tranche isolation caps the maximum economic benefit of attacks
  • Lower Revert Risk: End-to-end revert risk reduced below 0.5%

4. Modular Hook Architecture​

Exposes on-chain hooks for dynamic fee modules, governance-driven routing policies, and custom workflows—enabling seamless integration with developer SDKs and composable order NFTs.

Capabilities:

  • Dynamic Fee Modules: Customizable fee structures
  • Governance-driven Routing: Community-controlled routing policies
  • Custom Workflows: Build custom execution flows
  • Composable Order NFTs: Represent orders as NFTs for composability
  • SDK Integration: Seamless integration with developer tools

5. Execution & Liquidity Oracles​

Provides time-weighted average execution cost and on-chain liquidity metrics to power automated risk management and back-testing.

Features:

  • Execution Cost Metrics: Time-weighted average execution costs
  • Liquidity Metrics: Real-time on-chain liquidity data
  • Risk Management: Power automated risk management systems
  • Back-testing: Historical data for strategy validation

6. Real-time Reputation System​

Tracks node performance in real-time and adjusts routing preferences accordingly.

Components:

  • Performance Tracking: Monitor success rates, execution times, and costs
  • Dynamic Scoring: Real-time reputation updates
  • Routing Optimization: Automatically favor high-performing nodes
  • Network Health: Overall network performance monitoring

Architecture Benefits​

For Institutions & Professional Traders​

  • Large Order Handling: Execute block-size trades (≥$5 million) with minimal slippage
  • Reliability: 99.5% settlement reliability ensures trades complete successfully
  • Cost Efficiency: Sub-10 bps execution costs reduce trading overhead
  • Risk Management: Isolated revert logic limits exposure

For DeFi Protocols​

  • Composability: Modular hook architecture enables custom workflows
  • Integration: Easy integration with existing DeFi infrastructure
  • Flexibility: Adapt to different cross-chain messaging protocols
  • Scalability: Network grows with more nodes, improving performance

For Node Operators​

  • Permissionless: Anyone can register and operate a node
  • Competition: Healthy competition drives innovation and cost reduction
  • Reputation: Build reputation through reliable execution
  • Economic Benefits: Participate in network growth and fee distribution

Network Effects​

As the network grows, all participants benefit:

  • Competition Benefits: Increased node competition drives down costs and improves service quality
  • Liquidity Benefits: More nodes mean deeper liquidity pools
  • Reliability Benefits: More nodes provide redundancy and fault tolerance
  • Ecosystem Benefits: Better execution efficiency benefits all DeFi participants

Technical Specifications​

  • Node Integration Overhead: ~100 lines of smart-contract code
  • Settlement Reliability: 99.5% across five live chains
  • Execution Costs: Sub-10 bps on block-size trades
  • Revert Risk: <0.5% end-to-end revert risk
  • Trade Capacity: Up to $50 million per trade
  • Supported Protocols: LayerZero, Wormhole, and other cross-chain messaging protocols

Next Steps​