Relayer Node

A relayer node is an intermediary service that monitors events on one blockchain and transmits that information to another blockchain. They act as the messengers that allow cross-chain communication to occur.

When a user initiates a transfer across a bridge, the relayer detects the event and submits a transaction to the destination chain. This role is crucial for the functionality of interoperability protocols.

Relayers must be reliable and responsive to ensure that transactions are processed in a timely manner. They are often incentivized through fees to maintain the network.

If relayers are centralized, they become a single point of failure. Distributed relayer networks are preferred to improve the robustness of bridge operations.