Introduction to Splice in the Canton Network

Overview

Splice is a collection of reference applications that allow entities to operate, fund, and govern publicly available decentralized Canton synchronizers. It presents a reference method for operating decentralized Canton synchronizers through entities known as Super Validators (SVs). Within the Canton Network (CN), Splice provides the economic infrastructure and governance mechanisms that support decentralized synchronizers to function sustainably. Its applications include payment utilities, rewards systems, and governance tools that create a transparent framework for operating the network.

DevNet in the Canton Network

DevNet serves as the shared development and testing environment for the CN where applications built with Splice and Canton components can interact with the actual network infrastructure. After initial development in LocalNet, developers connect to DevNet to validate their applications against real network protocols, including communication with SVs running Splice components. The Canton Network Quickstart (CN QS) provides a configurable environment that allows developers to test their applications in a controlled but realistic network environment before moving to production deployments.

What is Splice?

Splice, maintained by Hyperledger Labs, provides infrastructure for entities to jointly operate and fund Canton synchronizers. It offers components and implementations that demonstrate how to create economic and governance systems that facilitate network operations. Splice provides a framework that helps multiple independent operators make collective decisions, process payments, and maintain shared infrastructure.

How Splice is used in the Canton Network

Splice is deployed on the Global Synchronizer. Its components include Amulet, a payment utility token, commonly referred to as Canton Coin (CC), that services financial transactions between network participants. Supporting services include the Amulet Name Service (ANS), a Traffic Acquisition Program (TAP), and payment scan functionality. These tools support SVs to coordinate with one another while managing nodes. They create a transparent economic ecosystem that supports the ongoing funding and operation of decentralized Canton synchronizers.

Division of responsibilities between Splice and Canton Components

Canton components handle core transaction processing, privacy, and consensus functionality across the network. Splice focuses on the operational layer of running decentralized synchronizers. Nodes in the decentralized synchronizer are operated by SVs. A group of SVs actively operating nodes in a decentralized synchronizer are referred to as the “Decentralized Synchronizer Operator” (DSO). Splice uses a code construct called a “Decentralized Synchronizer Operator Party” (DSO Party) to collect signatures for joint actions, maintain synchronization infrastructure, and implement economic policies.

Benefits of Splice in the CN QS

Splice provides the CN with a sustainable funding model for synchronization services, transparent operations governed by SVs, and standardized payment methods for transaction fees. Splice’s integration into the CN infrastructure creates accessibility for CN developers within a cohesive environment that securely facilitates applications to interact with synchronizers.

Technical overview of Splice in the CN QS

In CN QS, the Splice and Canton components operate in separate Java Virtual Machines (JVMs). Although this architecture is still in development, it is designed to preserve logical separation between validation and execution, optimize resource allocation for each component, maintain clear security boundaries, and provide independent scaling and configuration. Splice validators connect to Canton participants through well-defined APIs that creates a cohesive system that balances separation of concerns with operational integration.