Tracing Cross-Chain Transactions Between EVM-Based Blockchains: An Analysis of Ethereum-Polygon Bridges

Authors

  • Tao Yan University of Zurich
  • Chuanshan Huang University of Zurich
  • Claudio J. Tessone University of Zurich

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ledger.2025.433

Keywords:

Bridge, Cross-chain, Ethereum, Polygon, Blockchain

Abstract

Ethereum’s scalability has been a major concern due to its limited transaction throughput and high fees. To address these limitations, Polygon has emerged as a sidechain solution that facilitates asset transfers between Ethereum and Polygon, thereby improving scalability and reducing costs. However, current cross-chain transactions, particularly those between Ethereum and Polygon, lack transparency and traceability. This paper proposes a method to track cross-chain transactions across EVM-compatible blockchains. It leverages the unique feature that user addresses are consistent across EVM-compatible blockchains. We develop a matching heuristic algorithm that links transactions between the source and target chains by combining transaction time, value, and token identification. Applying our methodology to over 2 million cross-chain transactions (August 2020–August 2023) between Ethereum and Polygon, we achieve matching rates of up to 99.65% for deposits and 92.78% for withdrawals, across different asset types including Ether, ERC-20 tokens, and NFTs. In addition, we provide a comprehensive analysis of various properties and characteristics of cross-chain transactions. Our methodology and findings contribute to a better understanding of cross-chain transaction dynamics and bridge performance, with implications for improving bridge efficiency and security in cross-chain operations.

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Published

2025-10-02

How to Cite

Yan, T., Huang, C., & Tessone, C. (2025). Tracing Cross-Chain Transactions Between EVM-Based Blockchains: An Analysis of Ethereum-Polygon Bridges. Ledger, 10, 113–134. https://doi.org/10.5195/ledger.2025.433

Issue

Vol. 10 (2025)

Section

ChainScience Invitational Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Tao Yan, Chuanshan Huang, Claudio J. Tessone

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