What is EigenLayer? The restaking protocol explained

EigenLayer is a protocol connecting restaked collateral with services operated under additional security commitments. Restakers supply collateral, operators perform work, and services define duties and economic conditions.

The official overview separates those roles. EigenCloud is the broader product umbrella; EIGEN is a token. Using the protocol is not equivalent to simply holding that token.

Example: a price-validation service

Imagine a service that validates price data under specified rules. An operator runs its software and allocates collateral to the duty. A depositor can delegate eligible assets without personally operating the price-validation system. How a breach affects the depositor depends on the service and allocation terms.

The EigenLayer name does not establish identical security or rewards for every service. Accepted assets, operator sets, allocations and withdrawal conditions must be checked for the actual position. The example illustrates roles; it is not a performance test.

The AVS entry explains the service role. Our restaking risk guide examines the penalty and exit evidence needed for an actual position.