is moving to the Agile Coretime platform, enabling permissionless channels between chains of systems like Asset Hub, bypassing the need for approvals via Polkadot’s OpenGov.
This feature is part of a broader effort to improve cross-chain communication ahead of upcoming network updates.
Polkadot’s Horizontal Relay-routed Message Passing (HRMP) channels, which currently act as the underlying message transport protocol by passing all messages through a chain of relays, will soon be replaced by the more effective Cross-Chain Message Passing (XCMP) system.
However, until XCMP is fully launched, parachains will continue to exploit HRMP channels, which require a two-step process to open.
Technically speaking, to set up an HRMP channel between two parachains, the process starts with one chain initiating a request. Then the other chain has to accept that request. Both of these steps have to be done on the relay chain originating from the corresponding parachain.
Opening channels between parachains and system chains like Asset Hub has also been simplified. A bidirectional channel can now be established via a corresponding call that is made to Relay Chain via XCM.
Agile Coretime works by breaking down the process into key components. A “core” is a virtual entity on the Polkadot blockchain for handling transactions and running clever contracts for parachains.
The system is managed by the “Coretime Chain”, a specialized parachain that oversees the purchase, renewal and distribution of these assets.
At the same time, Polkadot Chain serves as the central node of the network, responsible for security, consensus, and inter-chain communication.
That said, Agile Coretime offers two ways for projects to obtain these compute resources. The first option is on-demand purchasing, where projects can acquire block space whenever they need it. This is especially useful for up-to-date or smaller projects with changing needs.
The second option is bulk purchasing, which is more suitable for projects with consistent and predictable needs. This method allows projects to secure blockchain space up to 28 days in advance, with transactions represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
