Definition
IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) is a generalized protocol specification for authenticated, ordered data transfer between independent distributed ledgers. It defines a standardized framework for establishing light-client-based connections and channels between chains, enabling them to exchange packets that may encode token transfers, control messages, or arbitrary data. IBC is chain-agnostic at the protocol level and is typically implemented within modular, proof-of-stake ecosystems.
In Simple Terms
IBC is a common language that separate blockchains can use to send verified messages and data to each other. It sets strict rules for how chains recognize one another and pass information back and forth, so that cross-chain communication can happen in a consistent, secure, and predictable way.
Context and Usage
IBC is primarily discussed in the context of multi-chain architectures and interoperability research, especially within ecosystems that emphasize sovereign application-specific chains. It appears in protocol specifications, client implementations, and governance discussions concerning cross-chain connectivity, security assumptions, and routing. IBC is also referenced when analyzing cross-chain token representations, relaying infrastructure, and validator responsibilities across interconnected networks.