Polygon has emerged as one of the most influential players in the blockchain space, offering scalable, secure, and developer-friendly solutions for the Ethereum ecosystem. Originally launched as Matic Network in 2020, it rebranded to Polygon in 2021 to reflect its expanded vision — not just as a single Layer 2 solution, but as a full-fledged platform for building interconnected Ethereum-compatible blockchains.
With its focus on zero-knowledge (ZK) technology, modular architecture, and seamless interoperability through the upcoming AggLayer, Polygon is positioning itself at the forefront of Ethereum's evolution into a scalable and user-centric web3 infrastructure.
What Is Polygon?
Polygon is a multi-chain system designed to solve Ethereum’s scalability challenges by enabling faster transactions and lower fees while maintaining security and decentralization. It functions as a Layer 2 scaling platform, providing developers with tools to build scalable decentralized applications (DApps) that are fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
The ecosystem supports multiple scaling solutions, including:
- Polygon PoS – A proof-of-stake sidechain for fast and low-cost transactions
- Polygon zkEVM – A ZK-Rollup that offers Ethereum-equivalent security with scalability
- Polygon Miden – A STARK-based ZK-rollup focused on privacy and flexibility
This modular approach allows different projects to choose the optimal scaling method based on their needs — whether prioritizing speed, cost, security, or privacy.
👉 Discover how next-gen blockchain platforms are reshaping DeFi and DApp development.
How Does Polygon PoS Work?
At the heart of Polygon’s early success lies Polygon PoS (Proof of Stake), a sidechain solution that processes transactions off the main Ethereum chain before periodically submitting batched proofs back to Ethereum for final settlement.
Its architecture consists of three key layers:
1. Ethereum Layer
This is where security originates. The staking contracts that govern validator participation and fund deposits are deployed directly on the Ethereum blockchain. Users stake POL tokens (formerly MATIC) to become validators and earn rewards for securing the network.
2. Heimdall Layer
Heimdall acts as the consensus layer. It runs parallel to Ethereum and monitors validator activity, manages checkpoints, and submits block hashes from the Bor layer to Ethereum at regular intervals. This ensures that Polygon PoS remains anchored to Ethereum’s security model.
3. Bor Layer
Bor is responsible for producing blocks. Selected validators from Heimdall take turns creating blocks containing batches of user transactions. These blocks are then validated and checkpointed onto Ethereum.
This layered design enables high throughput — up to 7,000 transactions per second — while keeping gas fees minimal compared to Ethereum’s base layer.
Key Features of Polygon PoS
- ✅ EVM Compatibility: Developers can deploy existing Solidity-based smart contracts without modification.
- ✅ Low Transaction Fees: Gas costs are typically fractions of a cent.
- ✅ Fast Finality: Transactions confirm in seconds.
- ✅ High Scalability: Supports thousands of TPS across diverse DApps.
- ✅ Interoperability: Seamless asset transfers between Ethereum and Polygon via bridges.
These features make Polygon an ideal environment for DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and enterprise applications requiring efficient and cost-effective blockchain operations.
How to Use Polygon: Wallet Setup Guide
To interact with the Polygon network, you’ll need a compatible crypto wallet. One popular option is MetaMask, though many others support Polygon natively.
Here’s how to get started:
- Install MetaMask or another EVM-compatible wallet.
Add the Polygon network manually using these settings:
- Network Name:
Polygon Mainnet - RPC URL:
https://polygon-rpc.com/ - Chain ID:
137 - Currency Symbol:
POL - Block Explorer:
https://polygonscan.com
- Network Name:
Alternatively, some wallets like Trust Wallet or imToken allow one-click network addition.
Once set up, you can bridge ETH or other tokens from Ethereum to Polygon using official or third-party bridges, then start exploring DApps such as Aave, Uniswap (via Polygon deployment), or Quickswap.
👉 Learn how to securely manage your digital assets across multiple chains.
Who Created Polygon?
Polygon was co-founded by Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, and Anurag Arjun. Jaynti, the CEO, was inspired during the 2017 CryptoKitties congestion crisis on Ethereum — an event that exposed the urgent need for scalable blockchain infrastructure.
His vision led to the development of what would become Matic Network, later rebranded as Polygon to represent a broader ambition: creating an "Internet of Blockchains" connected to Ethereum.
Today, the team continues to innovate with cutting-edge research in zero-knowledge proofs and rollup technologies.
Understanding EVM Compatibility
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the runtime environment for smart contracts on Ethereum. It ensures code executes consistently across all nodes in the network.
EVM compatibility means that other blockchains — like Polygon — replicate this execution environment so that developers can deploy the same smart contracts without rewriting them. This dramatically lowers barriers to entry and accelerates adoption.
For example, a DeFi protocol built on Ethereum can be deployed on Polygon with minimal changes, allowing users to enjoy lower fees while retaining trust in proven code logic.
POL Token: The New Era of Polygon’s Utility
In 2025, MATIC was rebranded to POL as part of Polygon’s new "Supernet" vision — a modular framework for launching independent yet interconnected blockchains secured under AggLayer.
Key Details:
- Launch Date: April 2019 (as MATIC)
- Consensus Mechanism: Proof-of-Stake (PoS)
Primary Use Cases:
- Staking to secure the network
- Paying transaction fees
- Participating in governance
- Securing AggLayer-connected chains
The rebrand reflects a shift from being just a scaling solution to becoming a comprehensive platform for decentralized sovereignty and interoperability.
Explore the Polygon Ecosystem
Polygon hosts a thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications spanning finance, prediction markets, NFTs, and more. Notable projects include:
- Aave – Leading DeFi lending protocol
- Uniswap – Top decentralized exchange (deployed on Polygon)
- Quickswap – Native DEX optimized for low fees
- Polymarket – Prediction market platform
- Curve & Balancer – Automated market makers
Developers benefit from extensive documentation, grants programs, and developer tools provided by Polygon itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Polygon part of Ethereum?
A: Yes — Polygon is not a competitor but a scaling solution for Ethereum. It enhances Ethereum’s capabilities by handling transactions off-chain while relying on Ethereum for final security and settlement.
Q: What is the difference between MATIC and POL?
A: MATIC was the original token name; it has been upgraded and rebranded to POL in 2025 to align with Polygon’s next-phase vision involving AggLayer and modular blockchains.
Q: Is Polygon secure?
A: Yes. While transactions occur off-chain, critical data is periodically submitted to Ethereum via checkpoints. This gives Polygon strong security guarantees backed by Ethereum’s decentralized network.
Q: Can I earn yield on POL tokens?
A: Absolutely. You can stake POL in the PoS network to earn rewards or provide liquidity in DeFi protocols built on Polygon.
Q: How do I check my transaction history on Polygon?
A: Use Polygonscan, the official blockchain explorer for Polygon: https://polygonscan.com. You can look up addresses, transactions, tokens, and smart contracts.
Q: Why choose Polygon over other L2s?
A: Polygon offers a unique combination of EVM compatibility, low fees, high speed, and multi-solution support (PoS, zkEVM, Miden). Its growing ecosystem and strong developer support make it a top choice for both users and builders.
Final Thoughts
Polygon has evolved from a simple sidechain solution into a comprehensive platform empowering developers to build scalable, secure, and interoperable blockchain applications. With innovations like AggLayer, zkEVM, and the POL token, it's paving the way for mass adoption of web3 technologies.
Whether you're a developer building the next big DApp or a user looking for cheaper, faster transactions, Polygon delivers real-world utility today — all while staying deeply integrated with Ethereum’s robust security foundation.
👉 Start exploring scalable blockchain solutions with cutting-edge tools and insights.