In-depth Analysis of Layer 2 Ecosystem: Comparison of Leading Projects in the Optimistic Rollup Sector

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In-depth Exploration of Layer 2 and Optimistic Tracks

In the previous article, we briefly introduced the development history of Ethereum and the 2.0 upgrade roadmap, leading to the two main sub-tracks of Layer 2: Optimistic Rollup and ZK Rollup. This article will further explore Layer 2 solutions, with a focus on analyzing the Optimistic Rollup track.

Overview of Layer2 Solutions

Layer 2 refers to off-chain networks, systems, or technologies based on the underlying blockchain (Layer 1), used to scale the underlying blockchain network. In a narrow sense, Layer 2 needs to inherit the security of Ethereum and bundle transactions on Layer 2, while Layer 2 is only responsible for computation. In a broad sense, Layer 2 includes all Ethereum scaling solutions, mainly consisting of the following five types:

  1. Sidechain: An independent blockchain that operates in parallel with Ethereum, minting the same amount of assets on the sidechain by locking assets on the main chain. Representative projects include Polygon.

  2. State Channels: Establish exclusive payment channels and multi-signature addresses between traders to complete off-chain transactions. Representative technologies include the Lightning Network and the Raiden Network.

  3. Rollups: Delegate data execution work to Layer 2 and batch submit to the main chain. It is divided into two types: Optimistic Rollup and ZK Rollup.

  4. Validium: Uses zero-knowledge proofs, but only uploads the state root and proof to the mainnet, while transaction data is stored on Layer 2.

  5. Plasma: Known as "chain within a chain", it transfers transactions to a sidechain by locking assets on the main chain.

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Tracks

Polygon PoS Analysis

Project Introduction

Polygon, originally named Matic, started as a blockchain scalability platform and later expanded to become the "Internet of Blockchains". Polygon PoS is its main sidechain product, launched in June 2020.

Technical Architecture

Polygon PoS is divided into three layers:

  1. Ethereum Layer: Composed of smart contracts, responsible for the processing flow on Ethereum.

  2. PoS Checkpoint Node Layer: Produces and verifies Matic sidechain blocks.

  3. Matic Sidechain Layer: Responsible for transactions, shuffling, block formation, etc.

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Tracks

ecological development

There are over 53,000 Polygon ecosystem projects, with layouts in fields such as DeFi, NFT, gaming, and the metaverse. In terms of DeFi, there are well-known projects like Uniswap, Aave, and Curve; in NFTs, brands like Opensea and Adidas have established a presence; in gaming, there are leading projects like Decentraland and The Sandbox.

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

  • High Speed: Approximately 7000 TPS
  • Low cost: approximately 0.1% of Ethereum
  • Fully EVM compatible
  • Inherit Ethereum's security

Insufficient:

  • High degree of centralization
  • Lack of innovation

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

Arbitrum Project Analysis

Project Introduction

Arbitrum is a leading Layer 2 project that uses Optimistic Rollup technology. Currently, the TVL is approximately $5.93 billion, with around 150,000 daily active addresses.

Technical Principles

Arbitrum introduces two roles, validators and aggregators, to ensure the execution of transactions. There is a 7-day challenge period before transactions return to the mainnet, during which anyone can raise a challenge.

Main product line:

  • Arbitrum One: the main rollup platform
  • Arbitrum Nova: Uses ZK technology for high throughput applications
  • Arbitrum Orbit: Ecosystem Development Plan

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

Ecological Development

There are already 600 ecological projects, including GMX, Radiant, TreasureDAO, etc. Game projects such as Treasure DAO and Pirate Nation are growing rapidly.

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer2 and Optimistic Track

advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

  • High performance and low cost
  • Ethereum compatible
  • Inherit Ethereum's security
  • Rich in ecology

Disadvantage:

  • Higher degree of centralization
  • There is a learning cost
  • Network effects still need improvement

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

Optimism Project Analysis

Project Introduction

Optimism is an Ethereum Layer 2 solution that moves transaction processing to the Optimism chain, only recording the final results on Ethereum. The mainnet was officially launched at the end of 2021.

Technical Features

Using OP Stack technology, consisting of six layers:

  • DA Layer data availability layer
  • Sequencing Layer
  • Derivation Layer
  • Execution Layer
  • Settlement Layer
  • Governance Layer

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer2 and Optimistic Track

ecological development

The DeFi ecosystem is relatively well-developed, such as Velodrome, Sonne Finance, etc. In the gaming sector, OP Craft has been launched, pioneering the concept of "on-chain autonomous worlds."

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

SWOT Analysis

Advantages:

  • Strong EVM equivalence
  • High data security
  • Fast speed, low cost

Disadvantage:

  • Long withdrawal time and high costs
  • There is a potential misalignment in incentives among network participants.
  • Layer 1 may censor transactions

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

opBNB and COMBO Project Analysis

opBNB

opBNB is a BSC Layer 2 network built on the OP Stack, capable of achieving over 4000 TPS with transaction costs below $0.005.

Ecosystem includes DeFi projects such as OpenOcean, Goose Finance, and game projects like Ultimate Champions.

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Tracks

COMBO

COMBO is a Layer 2 network focused on Web3 gaming, capable of 5000 TPS, with gas fees as low as 0.001 Gwei.

Provide game developers with a full-stack development toolkit, ComboUp quick start environment, etc. Focus on laying out metaverse projects such as Lifeform, Ultiverse, etc.

GameFi Public Chain Research (2): Layer 2 and Optimistic Tracks

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

Summary

This article analyzes several major Layer 2 projects based on Optimistic Rollup technology. Overall, Rollup solutions have significant improvements in security, speed, scalability, and costs compared to Layer 1, but there are still some issues that need to be addressed. Arbitrum and Optimism, as the two leading projects, each have their own characteristics, and the competition in the Layer 2 space will become even more intense in the future.

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Track

GameFi Public Chain Research (II): Layer 2 and Optimistic Tracks

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MagicBeanvip
· 07-15 13:02
The L2 fans really spoke to my heart.
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RugDocDetectivevip
· 07-13 21:50
arb is really good, but the fees are a bit high.
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MetaMiseryvip
· 07-13 02:53
This little innovation makes it seem like they invented the rocket.
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CoffeeNFTradervip
· 07-13 02:46
Is the market going to change again?
View OriginalReply0
AirdropChaservip
· 07-13 02:39
DOGE chain is not working anymore, L2 is the top boss.
View OriginalReply0
OnchainFortuneTellervip
· 07-13 02:30
Let's just roll with the chaos of the track.
View OriginalReply0
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