Interoperability is a property which enables cross-chain communication and interaction between blockchains. Given the breadth of the blockchain ecosystem, independent chains can become siloes without native communication capabilities across networks. The lack of native communication between these disparate systems led to networks that could not leverage the strengths or resources of other networks. As such, interoperability has become a design function aimed at overcoming these limitations by enabling cross-chain interactions. Such cross-chain operations can come in the form of sending/receiving *validated* messages, token exchanges like [[Atomic Swap|atomic swaps]], [[Wrapped Token|wrapped tokens]], or the ability to execute [[Smart Contracts|smart contracts]] received from another chain. Interoperability is generally accomplished in the blockchain ecosystem through bridges, hubs, liquidity networks, or relay chains. A property which improves the interoperability of blockchains is [[composability]], which is a functionally modular design where there are some standards followed. Such standards may apply to the creation/transfer of native blockchain asset or smart contract functionality. >[!examples] >**Cosmos Network**: With its Tendermint consensus algorithm and IBC protocol implementation, Cosmos enables different sovereign blockchains called zones to transfer value among themselves via its hub-and-spoke model. > **Polkadot Network**: Polkadot's relay chain acts as a central coordinator allowing various parachains (independent chains) to communicate under shared security guarantees. > **Wrapped Tokens** (e.g., Wrapped Bitcoin - WBTC): These represent tokens from one blockchain wrapped into another network's format; WBTC represents Bitcoin on Ethereum’s network allowing BTC holders access DeFi applications within Ethereum’s ecosystem. > **Chainlink Protocol**: Chainlink provides decentralized oracle services enabling smart contracts across different networks access off-chain data feeds securely thus enhancing their utility beyond their native platforms.