The world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies has been rapidly expanding, promising decentralized and secure solutions for various industries. However, as this technology gains popularity, it faces challenges related to scalability.
Read my previous article on it here.
Enter Layer 2, the solution that seeks to enhance scalability while maintaining the security and decentralisation of the underlying blockchain.
Understanding Layer 2
Layer 2 solutions are built on top of Layer 1 blockchains and act as an extension or secondary framework. They aim to solve the scalability issues by processing transactions off-chain, reducing the load on the main net.
Mechanism of Layer 2
Off-Chain Processing: Layer 2 solutions process transactions away from the main blockchain, lightening its load and improving performance.
Bundling Transactions: Multiple transactions are grouped together in Layer 2 networks before posting a single proof on the mainnet, increasing transaction throughput and efficiency.
Interoperability with Mainnet: Layer 2 maintains smooth interaction with the main blockchain using smart contracts or communication mechanisms to preserve security and decentralization.
Validity Proofs: Layer 2 uses cryptographic proofs to ensure the accuracy of off-chain transactions, securing results recorded on the mainnet.
Consensus Mechanisms: Layer 2 employs specific consensus mechanisms for validation, like Federated Byzantine Agreement (FBA) for sidechains and Optimistic or Zero-Knowledge Proofs for rollups.
Fraud Proofs (in some cases): Certain Layer 2 solutions use fraud proofs to detect and revert fraudulent transactions, maintaining the underlying blockchain's security.
Different Types of Layer 2 Solutions:
State Channels: These allow parties to conduct multiple transactions off-chain without involving miners, enhancing transaction speed and reducing costs. Examples include Bitcoin's Lightning Network and Ethereum's Raiden Network.
Sidechains: Sidechains are separate blockchains linked to the main chain, allowing assets to be transferred between them. This improves interoperability and reduces congestion on the mainnet. An example is the Liquid Network, a sidechain of Bitcoin.
Optimistic Rollups: These solutions assume transactions are valid and publish minimal data on the mainnet. They offer high throughput and low gas fees while ensuring data integrity. Examples include Arbitrum and Optimism.
Zero-Knowledge Rollups: Utilizing Zero-Knowledge Proofs, these solutions verify the validity of numerous transactions and post minimal summary data to the main chain. ZK rollups enhance privacy and reduce costs. Examples include Immutable X and Polygon Hermez.
Benefits of Layer 2 Networks:
Increased Scalability: Layer 2 protocols enable higher transaction throughput, reducing congestion on Layer 1.
Lower Transaction Fees: By bundling multiple transactions into a single proof, Layer 2 solutions reduce transaction costs.
Maintaining Security: Layer 2 solutions inherit the security of the underlying Layer 1 blockchain, ensuring data integrity.
Challenges of Layer 2 Networks:
Liquidity Reduction: Implementing Layer 2 solutions may reduce liquidity on the main blockchain.
Multiple Accounts: Using different Layer 2 solutions may require users to create multiple accounts and manage their assets accordingly.
Security Concerns: While Layer 2 solutions are designed to be secure, potential vulnerabilities require careful consideration.