Bridging
Resources and guide on bridging.
A bridge is a connection between networks that enables the transfer of tokens or arbitrary data from one network to another. For the most part, users bridge their funds from Ethereum to a "layer 2 solution".
A layer 2 solution is a network built on top of Ethereum that enables users to experience faster transactions with cheaper gas fees without giving up decentralization and security.
- Anyswap - https://anyswap.exchange/#/router (Cross chain protocol that supports the transfer of funds through various networks)
- Across - https://across.to/ (a bridging method that combines an optimistic oracle, bonded relayers and single-sided liquidity pools to provide decentralized instant transactions from rollup chains to Ethereum mainnet)
- Hop - https://app.hop.exchange/send (rollup-to-rollup general token bridge. It allows users to send tokens from one rollup to another almost immediately without having to wait for the rollup’s challenge period)
Note: Bridging FROM the Arbitrum, Optimism, or Polygon networks is takes some time. In some cases it may take up to over 2 weeks for your funds to appear on Layer 1 (Ethereum Network). A solution to this would be using non native bridges like Anyswap or Hop. Depending on network usage, it is sometimes even cheaper to use these protocols over the native network bridges.
Arbitrum and Optimism yes.
Avalanche uses its native token AVAX. You're automatically airdropped some into your wallet when you bridge over $75 of crypto using their native bridge.
Fantom uses its native token FTM. To receive some FTM use the following guide created by Mentasuave https://docs.spookyswap.finance/getting-started/how-to-get-fantom-gas
Polygon/Matic uses its native token MATIC. You're automatically airdropped some when you bridge funds using their native bridge.
In the case that the network you're bridging to is not automatically added to your Metamask you can use Chainlist to add it manually.
Chainlist
Chainlist is a list of EVM networks. Users can use the information to connect their wallets and Web3 middleware providers to the appropriate Chain ID and Network ID to connect to the correct chain.