The Router Protocol is a cross-chain protocol that focuses on bridging assets across multiple Layer 1 (base layer blockchain architecture, e.g., Ethereum) and Layer 2 (off-chain network lying on top of the layer one blockchain) networks using stablecoins as a medium of exchange. 

In addition to the transfer of assets, the Router Protocol also enables the safe and transparent flow of arbitrary messages across chains, thus extending DeFi's composability across different blockchains. The protocol has the following features:

ROUTE is the native token of the protocol. The ROUTE token allows users to use their token to contribute to governance by voting on router proposals for protocol changes. The Router Protocol imposes cross-chain transaction fees, split between validators and liquidity providers. 

Users who pay the transaction fees with ROUTE tokens get a 50% discount. Also, Router Protocol enables users to pay a combined (gas plus transaction) fee in ROUTE tokens. 

Router Protocol was founded in Singapore in 2020 by Ramani Ramachandran, Shubham Singh, Chandan Choudhury, and Priyeshu Garg.