# Future Work (Channels)

Possible extensions beyond the current payment and generic state channel managers.

## Virtual channels

Virtual channels (hub, ledger channels, guarantees) allow many parties to interact without each pair opening a separate on-chain channel. For design and references:

- [State Channels blog – Virtual channels](https://blog.statechannels.org/virtual-channels/)
- Nitro / Statechannels.org protocols

Current codebase does not implement virtual channels; this is listed as future work.

## Other directions

- **ERC20 payment channels**: Separate manager or token parameter with safe transfers (see PRE_DEPLOYMENT_RECOMMENDATIONS.md).
- **Connext / Raiden / Statechannels SDK**: Optional in-app flows or embedded guides (see EXTERNAL_PROTOCOL_INTEGRATION.md).
- **Upgradeability**: Deploy behind a transparent proxy if contract upgrades are required later.