- Base and zkSync Era outpace Ethereum’s mainnet in transactions per second.
- Layer-2 solutions signal the potential to alleviate congestion on traditional networks.
Layer-2 Solutions Taking Center Stage
In the fast-evolving landscape of blockchain technology, Ethereum-based layer-2 networks Base and zkSync Era are now leading the charge, achieving a noteworthy milestone by outpacing Ethereum’s mainnet in transactions per second (TPS).
Recent data from L2Beat, a prominent layer-2 analytics platform, showcases this shift in dominance. Within a 24-hour span, Base recorded a TPS metric of 12.93, followed closely by zkSync Era with 12.62. In comparison, Ethereum‘s primary network processed 10.18 TPS during the same duration. Starknet and Arbitrum One also made it to the leaderboard, boasting 9.79 and 4.90 TPS respectively.
Diving Deeper: The Technology Behind the Surge
Backed by the renowned cryptocurrency company Coinbase, Base is constructed on a technological framework pioneered by the blockchain scalability-centric startup, Optimism. While Optimism offers its layer-2 network and its native token OP, it’s significant to note that the firm also furnishes the blockchain community with tools to roll out their unique networks.
In contrast, zkSync Era elevates its offerings by embedding zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology into its fabric. This layer-2 network doesn’t merely aim for scalability. It has its sights set on providing users with enhanced security and privacy during transactions, a pivotal need in today’s digital world.
Layer-2’s Promising Future
The surge in TPS by Base and zkSync Era over Ethereum‘s mainnet emphasizes the latent potential of layer-2 solutions. These platforms not only promise to alleviate the burdens on foundational networks such as Ethereum but also serve as testimonies to technological evolution, especially considering both networks were only introduced to the world earlier this year. Specifically, the zkSync Era mainnet was unveiled in March, while Base was inaugurated in August.
Shibarium, backed by the Shiba-Inu community, is another layer-2 solution gaining momentum in this space. Since its inception, it has amassed over two million wallets, with aspirations to reach the three million transaction benchmark within a mere month post-launch.
It’s essential to understand the underlying value these layer-2 solutions bring to the ecosystem. While they may not mirror the decentralization levels intrinsic to Ethereum’s mainnet, they strike a balance by offering swifter transaction speeds and cost-efficient fees, particularly appealing at times when mainnet fees skyrocket.
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