Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has set new standards for layer-2 scaling networks. Buterin announced that only projects reaching the “Stage 1” level will receive approval. This decision will determine whether projects receive public support based on whether they meet decentralization goals.
Decentralization Goals
Buterin emphasized that layer-2 solutions must progress toward full decentralization. Introduced in 2022, the concept of “training wheels” describes the gradual process of projects moving away from centralized control and addressing security vulnerabilities. The initial stage, referred to as “Stage 0,” covers the period when projects rely on centralized control and lack robust cryptographic security.
The next step, “Stage 1,” introduces key elements such as fraud or validity proofs and multi-signature setups guided by a secure council. This stage ensures that rollups move beyond being merely “exaggerated multi-sigs.”
Ethereum’s Efficiency Goals
Ethereum has reached a significant milestone in its scaling efforts. Layer-1 upgrades like the Dencun update have driven progress. Now, attention shifts to making layer-2 rollups more efficient and secure. The aim is to increase the capacity of these systems and fine-tune their performance.
Projects like ZKsync, Arbitrum, and Optimism aim to achieve full decentralization in the coming years. Buterin predicts that by 2025, Ethereum will enter a new phase with rollups playing a critical role in its ecosystem.
The Future of Layer-2 Standards
Buterin’s new standards for layer-2 solutions reflect Ethereum’s long-term vision for decentralization and security. Layer-2 projects are working hard to meet these objectives, which are crucial for the future development of blockchain technologies. With the ongoing advancements, Ethereum’s scalability potential can be greatly enhanced through layer-2 solutions.
The Bit Journal will continue to monitor the developments in Ethereum’s layer-2 ecosystem and the progress of decentralized rollups.
