Original text: Ethereum Layer 2s: Enhancing scalability and UX
Translation and proofreading: Starknet Chinese Community
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Quick Facts
The main second-layer technologies include Rollup and state channels. The former reduces data storage by packaging transactions.
State channels allow off-chain transactions to be settled on the mainnet
The success of the second-layer solution depends on the support of infrastructure and ecosystem. In the future, Ethereum will need a combination of multiple expansion solutions to meet the growing needs of users and dApps.
introduction
Ethereum has experienced exponential growth since its inception. However, with growth comes scalability challenges, resulting in slower transaction speeds and higher gas fees. To address these issues, the Ethereum community has been actively researching and developing Various scaling solutions, with a particular focus on layer 2 technologies. Layer 2 scaling solutions are designed to operate independently of the Ethereum mainnet (layer 1) while still benefiting from the mainnet’s security model. Under the hood, layer-2 solutions aim to increase transaction throughput and reduce gas fees without compromising Ethereum’s decentralization and security, which is where Ethereum’s value lies.
The necessity of a second-layer solution
As the number of users and dApps on the Ethereum network continues to grow, the limitations of the current infrastructure become increasingly apparent. The Ethereum mainnet can only process a limited number of transactions per second (TPS) — approximately 15. This leads to network congestion and high gas fees. This not only reduces the user experience, but also increases the difficulty for new users and developers to enter the ecosystem. The second-layer solution provides several key advantages to address these challenges:
Improve transactions per second (TPS): By processing transactions off-chain, transactions can be processed more efficiently. The second-layer solution can significantly increase the number of transactions that can be processed per second, reduce network congestion, and improve overall performance.
Lower gas fees: Because transactions are processed in an off-chain environment with lower computational costs, the gas fee for each transaction is significantly reduced, allowing users to interact with dApps and participate in the Ethereum ecosystem at a lower cost.
Improved user experience: Faster transaction times and lower costs lead to a more seamless and enjoyable user experience, encouraging more people to adopt and participate in Ethereum-based applications.
Types of Layer 2 Solutions
There are many second-layer scaling solutions, each with its own way of achieving scaling. The two most prominent ones are Rollup and State channel.
Rollup
Rollup is a second-layer solution that executes transactions outside the Ethereum mainnet and then submits the transaction data back to the first layer for consensus processing. By bundling multiple transactions into a batch, Rollup can significantly reduce the size of Ethereum blocks. The amount of data stored on the chain, resulting in faster processing speed and lower gas fees. Rollups are mainly divided into two types:
Optimistic Rollup : Optimistic Rollup assumes that transactions are valid by default, and only calculates and generates "fraud proofs" when transactions are questioned, thereby reducing the computational burden on the Ethereum network. This method can speed up transaction processing and reduce gas fees. , as most transactions can be processed without extensive verification.
Validity Rollup : Validity Rollup uses a different approach, executing transactions off-chain and submitting "validity proofs" to the Ethereum mainnet. These proofs confirm the validity of transactions without revealing specific transaction details, protecting users Compared with optimistic Rollup, validity Rollup has faster transaction time and lower cost because it does not need to set a challenge period for each transaction.
Channel
Channels are another layer 2 solution that allows participants to trade quickly and freely off-chain, with the final state being settled on the Ethereum mainnet. Channels use cryptography to prove that the final state is indeed the result of valid intermediate transactions. Multi-signature contracts, channels can minimize network congestion, fees, and latency issues associated with on-chain transactions. Channels are mainly divided into two types:
State channels: State channels are used for general off-chain interactions, allowing users to execute smart contracts and conduct various types of transactions without frequently interacting with the Ethereum mainnet. This approach is particularly suitable for applications that require frequent, low-value transactions. Such as games or small payments.
Payment channels: Payment channels are a specialized form of state channels designed to optimize efficient token transfers between participants. The most famous implementation of payment channels is the Lightning Network, which runs on the Bitcoin blockchain. , to enable fast, low-cost transactions.
Layer 2 Infrastructure and Ecosystem
The success of second-layer scaling solutions depends not only on their underlying technology, but also on the infrastructure and ecosystem that supports them. Most second-layer solutions rely on a network of servers or nodes, often referred to as validators. ), operators, sequencers, or block producers. These nodes can be run by individuals, businesses, or specialized third-party operators. On the second-layer network, transactions are usually submitted to these Nodes, rather than submitting directly to the Ethereum mainnet. Depending on the specific implementation, the second-layer solution may package multiple transactions together and anchor them to the first layer to ensure that these transactions are protected by the security of the Ethereum network. As second-layer solutions become more widely adopted, a vibrant ecosystem of developers, projects, and users is emerging. This ecosystem is essential to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the long-term success of second-layer technology. It is of vital importance.
The Future of Ethereum Scalability
As the Ethereum community continues to work on scaling solutions, it is clear that layer 2 technology will play a vital role in the future development of the platform. By enabling faster, cheaper, and more efficient transactions, layer 2 solutions can help Ethereum The Ethereum ecosystem may need to rely on a combination of layer 2 solutions, as well as Continued improvements to the Ethereum mainnet itself are required to realize its full potential.
in conclusion
The second-layer expansion solution is a key component of the future of Ethereum, providing a path to improve scalability, reduce costs, and improve user experience. By leveraging second-layer technologies such as Rollup and state channels, the Ethereum community can work to overcome the current network’s limitations. As the second-layer ecosystem continues to develop and mature, collaboration and innovation among developers, project owners, and users will be critical to ensure the long-term success and widespread adoption of these solutions. With the right combination of blockchain, infrastructure, and community support, Ethereum is expected to continue to maintain its position as the leading platform for decentralized applications and drive the development of the entire blockchain industry in the coming years.
