Ever heard about blockchain bridges? They function as - you guessed it, a bridge between blockchain platforms. These solutions allow you to transfer digital assets between different networks. One great example is the Polygon bridge which lets you move Ethereum-based assets - ERC20 tokens and NFTs to the Polygon network.

Why Do Cross-Chain Bridges Exist?

Ethereum's popularity among blockchain users is a two-sided coin. On the one hand, it’s proof of the network’s functionality - people use it because it has a good track record. However, the downside to this is Ethereum’s scalability challenges. When there are multiple people attempting to use the platform at the same time, it becomes congested. Ethereum can’t keep up with the high demand so transactions take longer, and gas fees - the cost of operations increase significantly.

Layer 2 networks exist as an answer to this. These protocols sit on top of a primary blockchain like Ethereum and are generally faster and cheaper while still providing users with the security of the underlying network. Polygon is one of these, it solves problems by offering tools that enhance scalability. You can think of Polygon as a side road connected to the main Ethereum highway that lets you bypass the traffic, spend less and reach your destination faster.

The Polygon Bridge

To use the Polygon network, you need to get your assets there somehow, and the Polygon Bridge is the road. There are 2 Polygon bridges namely the proof-of-stake (PoS) Bridge and the Plasma Bridge. Both bridges permit cross-chain transfers between Ethereum and Polygon, however, they use different security methods.

The PoS or Matic Bridge employed the proof-of-stake consensus algorithm. Deposits on the PoS Bridge are secured instantly, but withdrawals may take 45 minutes to 3 hours. The Plasma Bridge on the other hand offers higher security and supports MATIC, ETH, ERC-20, and ERC-721 tokens, but withdrawals can take up to seven days.

The Matic bridge is the most popular option for transferring ETH and ERC tokens. So in this guide, we’re going to look at how you can transfer Ethereum to the Polygon Network using the PoS bridge.

Crossing The Polygon Bridge ( With ETH Stashed In Your Pockets)

Step 1

To begin, you need a compatible crypto wallet, that is a wallet that supports both networks. One go-to option is MetaMask which is one of the easiest to use. If you don’t have a MetaMask wallet simply look up the MetaMask website and follow the steps to set up your wallet.

Once you’ve done that, log into the Polygon Web Wallet by selecting the Polygon Bridge option.

Step 2

Now you need to connect your wallet. MetaMask as said earlier is a great option, but as shown in the image below there are other wallets you can use.

Step 3

Next, you’ll be directed to the platform’s bridging portal where you’ll execute the actual transfer. If you aren’t sent directly there, don’t worry just select bridge on the menu bar to your left.

Step 4

Then, navigate to the deposit tab on the portal and select the cryptocurrency you want to bridge. We’ll use Ethereum’s native ETH for this example. Enter just how much Ether you would like to transfer and click transfer.

Step 5

On this page, you’ll be met with some notes, go over them and hit continue.

Step 6

Another page will pop up showing you the estimated gas fees for the transfer, if these work for you, select continue again.

Step 7

You’ll get another chance to look through all the details of your transactions. Take your time to review and confirm the transfer funds, and the cost of the transaction before moving forward again.

Step 8

Here you’ll get a prompt to sign off on the transfer in your MetaMask wallet. Again, review the details before you click confirm. What’s left from here is to wait for the tokens to arrive. You can keep tabs on the transaction with Etherscan if you want to.

Bridging your assets from Polygon to Ethereum involves pretty much the same steps as the ones outlined above. The main difference in this scenario is that you’ll hit the withdrawal tab instead of the deposit tab. From then on, it’s smooth sailing.

Conclusion

There are other reasons to bridge tokens to the Polygon network besides getting away from Ethereum high gas fees. The Polygon ecosystem is alive and robust with dApps, all kinds of DeFi protocols, and other blockchain-based projects. Bridging your assets to this network allows you to access and enjoy all of these platforms. Trade assets, play games, participate in yield farming or staking, and even buy some NFTs if you want - dive into the Web3 experience in a cost-effective, efficient way.

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