Polkadot is advancing towards its Agile Coretime framework by enabling permissionless channel openings between system chains like Asset Hub, skipping the need for approval via Polkadot's OpenGov.
This feature is part of a broader effort to streamline inter-parachain communication ahead of the upcoming network upgrades.
Polkadot's HRMP (Horizontal Relay-routed Message Passing) channels, which currently serve as the primary message transport protocol by passing all messages through the Relay Chain, are soon to be phased out in favor of the more efficient XCMP (Cross-Chain Message Passing) system.
However, until XCMP is fully up and running, parachains will keep using HRMP channels, which involve a two-step process to open.
Technically speaking, to set up an HRMP channel between two parachains, the process begins with one chain kicking off the request. The second chain then needs to accept this request. Both of these steps must be carried out on the Relay Chain, originating from the respective parachain.
Opening channels between parachains and system chains, such as Asset Hub, has also been simplified. A bi-directional channel can now be established using the respective call, which is executed on the Relay Chain via an XCM program.
Agile Coretime works by breaking down the process into key components. A "core" is a virtual unit on the Polkadot Chain for handling transactions and running smart contracts for parachains.
The system is managed by the "Coretime Chain," a specialized parachain that oversees the purchase, renewal, and distribution of these resources.
Meanwhile, the Polkadot Chain serves as the network's central hub that takes care of security, consensus, and cross-chain communication.
That said, Agile Coretime provides two ways for projects to get these computational resources. The first option is on-demand buy, where projects can acquire blockspace whenever they need it. This is especially handy for new or smaller projects with fluctuating needs.
The second option is bulk purchasing, which is more suited for projects with steady and predictable needs. This method lets projects secure blockspace for up to 28 days in advance, with the transactions represented as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).