Enhanced Relayers

Super Relayers: Delegating Wallets in Obscura

All trades in Obscura are executed by two relayers performing a Multi-Party Computation (MPC). As such, every trader must delegate their wallet to a relayer to facilitate matching and settling of trades. This delegation involves a semi-trusted relationship: Relayers must view the wallet’s contents to perform MPCs and manage orders, but their authority is controlled through a key hierarchy.


Key Hierarchy in Obscura

Obscura employs a hierarchical key system with five levels of authority, from the root keypair (most powerful) to the view keypair (least powerful). Each keypair grants specific permissions, ensuring fine-grained control over wallet operations.

Key Authority Overview

  1. Root Keypair

    • Full control over the wallet.

    • Allows deposits, withdrawals, order updates, and cancellations.

  2. Match Keypair

    • Grants the ability to match outstanding orders in the wallet via MPCs.

  3. Settle Keypair

    • Allows settlement of matched trades or transfers within the anonymous pool.

  4. View Keypair

    • Enables viewing of wallet balances and orders without granting operational permissions.

Each keypair is derived from the secret key of any higher-level keypair. For example, the root secret key can derive all other keys, but the view secret key cannot derive any others. This ensures secure delegation based on the specific needs of the user.


Delegating Wallets to Relayers

When delegating a wallet to a relayer, users provide one of the secret keys from the hierarchy:

  1. Using a Public Relayer

    • Users share their match secret key with the relayer.

    • The relayer can view, match, and settle trades but cannot place new trades or cancel existing ones.

    • Users must update orders themselves using the root keypair.

  2. Using a Private Relayer

    • Users operating their own relayer can delegate either the match secret key or the root secret key.

    • With the root secret key, the relayer can operate in super-relay mode.


Super-Relay Mode

In super-relay mode, a relayer with the root secret key gains the ability to:

  • Bypass on-chain verification for order placement and cancellation.

  • Handshake on arbitrary orders without requiring pre-registration in the wallet.

This mode is ideal for advanced users running their own infrastructure who prioritize low fees and minimal latency. By colocating trading logic with the relayer, users can achieve:

  • Zero-fee order placements and cancellations.

  • Instant order execution with no latency.


Optimizing Your Obscura Trading Experience

The key hierarchy and delegation framework in Obscura ensure flexibility and security for all users. Whether you rely on a public relayer or operate your own in super-relay mode, the system provides a tailored trading experience that balances control, efficiency, and privacy.

For further details on key derivation and specific permissions, refer to the Obscura Whitepaper.

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