EigenLayer is an Ethereum restaking protocol.

EigenLayer is a restaking protocol that enhances the utility of staked assets, allowing users to earn additional rewards while retaining access to their tokens. Its liquid restaking process improves capital efficiency by letting users stake without locking assets behind multiple smart contracts. This innovation incentivizes more people to stake their ETH tokens and boosts the overall utility of the Ethereum network.

At its core, EigenLayer functions as an intermediary layer between the Ethereum network and its users, with a set of node validators who stake tokens as collateral to verify transactions. Users can contribute to restaking pools without running full nodes, receiving liquid restaking tokens (LRT) in return, which can be used for other services. Developers can also leverage EigenLayer’s staking system to secure sidechains, oracles, bridges, and other EVM-compatible objects, ensuring additional security.

EigenLayer offers two primary types of staking: native and liquid restaking. Native restaking involves redirecting Ether to secure nodes on a separate network, with participants earning additional rewards by operating validator nodes. Liquid restaking, on the other hand, provides stakers with liquid assets, enabling them to trade their tokens while earning rewards.

Additionally, EigenLayer features EigenDA, a data availability layer that uses rollups and bridges to store compact data segments, enabling scalable data storage for projects of any size.

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