# Nomos - ICA controller stack

In our framework, connecting with different chains is facilitated through our gateway, the **ICA Controller Stack**. The ICA Controller is a Solidity contract (with a CosmWasm version available) that establishes a channel to create an ICA on the host chain. The unique value of the ICA is that it acts as a personal, fully secure channel that can only send messages to the account.

<figure><img src="/files/r0WVCDcilrlvKFTv2aBA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Architecture Overview:**

1. **ICA Controller Factory**:
   * Responsible for creating the ICA Controller and moving it to the handler.
2. **ICA Handler**:
   * Holds the ICA until the user claims it, ensuring a seamless onboarding process.
3. **ICA Controller**:
   * This is the smart contract that controls your ICA. It is a fully transferable address, meaning you can sell it or transfer ownership.
   * The ICA Controller includes functions to encode and decode messages, maximizing optimization.
   * The channel is established using the Union Voyager solution, while assets are moved directly from the user’s wallet through the USC01 relayer.

#### **Key Features:**

* **Personalized Channel**: Each ICA is a unique, secure channel linked to the user, capable of sending messages only to the designated account.
* **Transferable Ownership**: The ICA Controller can be transferred or sold, offering flexibility in ownership management.
* **Optimized Communication**: The controller’s functions are designed to efficiently encode and decode messages, enhancing performance and reducing costs.
* **Seamless Asset Movement**: Assets are moved directly from the user’s wallet via the USC01 relayer, providing a straightforward and secure way to interact with the ICA.

This architecture ensures maximum security and flexibility, enabling users to interact with various chains through a robust and optimized gateway. you can read more on [Nomos Docs](https://nomos-ms.gitbook.io/nomos/architecture/core-idea-behind-nomos/ica-and-smart-accounts)


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