zkSync Era is undergoing an upgrade, bringing exciting news for users and builders. After the recent upgrade (VM version 1.4.2, Protocol version 22), which introduced EIP-4844 support and significantly reduced fees by a factor of 10, now is the ideal time to introduce new functionalities and enhancements to Protocol v24.

The company faced challenges with v23 in its internal environments before deciding to standardize the enhancements. Some of the improvements in the new version include the addition of EVM curve operations precompiles, the zkSync Bridgehub, and a new precompile for P256Verify. Additionally, certain operations have adopted revised pricing structures.

Ensuring trust and interoperability necessitates compliance with specific ZK Stack chain quality requirements. A standard set of Layer 1 smart contracts is required to manage proof authentication across all chains. Implementing a fair scaling to proof mechanism is essential for all chains.

Shared bridges play a crucial role in establishing unified liquidity in the ecosystem. A single bridge contract on Layer 1 connects every L1 asset (ETH and ERC20s), facilitating user operations like withdrawals and deposits across all ZK Stacks. The zkSync Bridgehub acts as the primary component facilitating communication between bridges and all ZK Stack chains contracts through a centralized point. It enables the security of L1 assets, including L3s and validiums, in the same contract across all chains. Additionally, all chains register at this connection point to interact with the mailboxes of other chains, request L1>L2 transactions, and register to enter the ecosystem.

State Transition Manager (STM) contracts authenticate proofs associated with all chains and implement a DiamondProxy for every chain, serving as the principal constituent and final representation of a chain on L1.