Layer 2
Auch bekannt als: L2, Scaling Solution, Layer Two
A secondary network built on top of a base blockchain (Layer 1) that processes transactions off-chain to increase speed and reduce costs while inheriting the security of the main chain.
Layer 2 (L2) refers to scaling solutions that sit on top of a base blockchain (Layer 1, such as Ethereum) to process transactions faster and cheaper. L2s batch many transactions together and post compressed proofs back to L1, inheriting its security while dramatically improving throughput.
Why Layer 2 Is Needed:
Ethereum L1 processes ~15 transactions per second at $1-50+ per transaction during peak demand. This is too slow and expensive for everyday use. L2s increase throughput to thousands of TPS at fractions of a cent per transaction.
Types of Layer 2 Solutions:
Optimistic Rollups: - Assume transactions are valid unless challenged - 7-day challenge period for fraud proofs - Examples: Arbitrum, Optimism, Base
ZK-Rollups (Zero-Knowledge): - Generate mathematical proofs of transaction validity - No challenge period needed (instant finality on L1) - Examples: zkSync, StarkNet, Scroll, Linea
Comparison:
| Feature | Optimistic Rollup | ZK-Rollup |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal Time | 7 days (without bridges) | Minutes to hours |
| Transaction Cost | Very low | Low (higher proof cost) |
| EVM Compatibility | Full | Improving (zkEVM) |
| Maturity | More established | Newer, advancing rapidly |
Major Layer 2 Networks:
| L2 | Type | TVL | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arbitrum | Optimistic | $10B+ | Largest L2 ecosystem |
| Base | Optimistic | $5B+ | Coinbase-backed |
| Optimism | Optimistic | $5B+ | OP Stack framework |
| zkSync | ZK | $1B+ | Native account abstraction |
| StarkNet | ZK (STARK) | $500M+ | Cairo programming language |
How L2 Transactions Work: 1. Users submit transactions to the L2 sequencer 2. The sequencer orders and executes transactions 3. Transaction data is batched and compressed 4. Batches are posted to Ethereum L1 as calldata or blobs 5. L1 provides the final security guarantee
L2 Ecosystem Growth: By 2026, Layer 2 networks collectively process more transactions than Ethereum L1, with combined TVL exceeding $30B. The introduction of EIP-4844 (proto-danksharding) in 2024 reduced L2 data posting costs by over 90%.
Verwandte Begriffe
Verwandte Krypto-Analysen
Erfahren Sie, wie Layer 2 bei diesen Kryptowährungen mit einer tiefgehenden STRICT-Score-Analyse zum Tragen kommt.