Fhenix, the EVM Layer 2 leveraging Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), has launched its latest testnet packing a host of powerful new features and performance improvements. Dubbed Nitrogen, the testnet upgrade introduces advanced decryption capabilities and marks a significant step toward Fhenix’s impending mainnet deployment.
Decryption Gets a Big Boost With Nitrogen
In addition to being a colorless odorless gas and the seventh most common element in the galaxy, Nitrogen is the name of the new testnet deployed by . The biggest improvement it introduces over its predecessor comes courtesy of Threshold Network. This mechanism manages decryption processes in a trust-minimized manner, essentially taking the stabilizers off Fhenix and bringing it closer to the fully decentralized network it will become in its final form.
To address the significant computational burden that FHE schemes carry, Nitrogen also provides another major improvement in the form of Parallel Decryptions. It employs asynchronous decryption to expedite decryption operations, enabling developers to create scalable dapps that can effortlessly process vast amounts of data.
Security Zones for Trust Configuration
The final major feature the Nitrogen testnet brings into play concerns Security Zones, which provide a customizable approach to decentralized application security. Two distinct zones are available: Zone 0, the default setting, prioritizes security, minimizing user trust requirements. Zone 1, meanwhile, emphasizes performance, utilizing a single local keyset managed by the sequencer to streamline decryption processes.
The flexibility provided by Security Zones allows developers to tailor their applications based on specific use cases and performance needs. For example, an enterprise dapp handling sensitive financial data would likely require Zone 0, while a consumer-oriented gaming application would benefit from Zone 1 configuration, where the priority is on performance.
Having integrated Celestia for data availability, the Nitrogen testnet aims to reduce transaction costs, making it more cost-effective for builders to create dapps that are reliant on significant amounts of multi-chain data. Finally, Nitrogen introduces a native function known as FHE.rand() that enables automatic generation of random numbers. This is a valuable feature that has broad utility, not just in the creation of onchain games, but for use cases such as NFT minting and randomized rewards for yield farming programs.
From ZKPs to FHE
Fhenix is confident that the launch of its Ethereum Layer 2, which supports confidential smart contracts using Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), will provide a superior alternative to current onchain encryption technologies, particularly zero knowledge proofs (ZKPs).
FHE enables computation to be performed directly on encrypted data without the need for decryption. This allows smart contracts to process sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality. In contrast, ZKPs are primarily used to verify the correctness of computations without revealing the underlying data. However, they don’t facilitate direct computation on encrypted data.
The latest Fhenix testnet will make it easier for developers to get acquainted with FHE and to get a handle on the sort of use cases its technology can power. It also inches Fhenix closer to its mainnet launch, when its tech can finally be tested in the wild.