From current trends, with Ethereum L1 mainnet gas fees hitting their lowest point in five years, many projects are reconsidering deployments on L1 as a viable option. This raises the question: What role do L2 solutions play now?
The Blockchain Trilemma Revisited
A foundational debate in blockchain revolves around the "impossible trinity"—where only two of three attributes can be optimized simultaneously:
- Security (guaranteed by L1 mainnet)
- Decentralization (maintained via sequencer innovation)
- Scalability (achieved through L2 execution)
How L2 Solutions Tackle These Challenges
- OP Rollups (Optimistic) and ZK Rollups (Zero-Knowledge) dominate the landscape, but newer approaches like Based-Rollup offer fresh perspectives.
- Taiko exemplifies this with its Based Rollup model—distinct from Coinbase’s Base (an OP Rollup).
👉 Explore how Taiko’s Based Rollup redefines L2 efficiency
The Power Struggle: L2 Sequencers and MEV
In traditional OP Rollups, sequencers wield significant control over transaction ordering, enabling MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) exploitation. Solutions vary:
- Arbitrum enforces strict FIFO (First-In-First-Out) fairness.
- Optimism treats MEV as a market behavior, taxing it.
Based-Rollup’s Radical Approach
Taiko’s Based-Rollup delegates sequencing to Ethereum L1, stripping L2 sequencers of unilateral power. Here’s how it works:
- L2 Searchers bundle transactions for builders.
- Builders construct blocks.
- L1 Searchers (often the same actors) finalize blocks on L1.
This dual-role design leverages L1’s security while optimizing L2 throughput—akin to a mayor also serving as deputy governor to align incentives.
Introducing Based Booster Rollup (BBR)
Taiko’s upcoming BBR (Based Booster Rollup) extends this logic, acting as an L1 mirror for enhanced scalability. Key features:
- Resource Efficiency: Utilizes L1 searchers’ existing hardware capacity.
- Security Synergy: Integrates L1’s robustness into L2 operations.
(A deeper dive into BBR mechanics will follow in a subsequent article.)
FAQs
Q: Why are gas fees dropping now?
A: Reduced network congestion and efficient L2 adoption have eased demand on Ethereum L1.
Q: How does Based-Rollup differ from ZK Rollups?
A: While ZK Rollups use cryptographic proofs, Based-Rollup relies on L1 for sequencing, minimizing trust in L2 operators.
Q: Is MEV unavoidable in L2s?
A: Not entirely—projects like Taiko mitigate MEV by redistributing sequencing power to L1.
Q: When will Taiko’s token unlock occur?
A: The unlock coincides with Taiko’s one-year anniversary, marking broader ecosystem participation.
👉 Discover Taiko’s latest innovations in L2 scaling
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