Ethereum Name Service (ENS), a blockchain-based service that aims to simplify address resolution, has announced its plan to develop its own Layer 2 network, called 'Namechain', using Linea's advanced technology infrastructure.

ENS Partners with Linea for Tier 2 Solution$ENS

ENS selected Linea, a Layer 2 solution based on zkEVM, for its ability to maintain full compatibility with Ethereum’s existing smart contracts and tools. According to information shared by ENS in a recent blog post, zkEVM technology enables secure and seamless interactions between the new Namechain Layer 2 network working in conjunction with Ethereum’s Layer 1 network.

Linea is also notable as the first Layer 2 solution to provide decentralized cross-chain address resolution for ENS subnames by implementing a security-enhanced version of ERC-3668.

The Linea platform is backed by Consensys, a leading Ethereum-focused research and development firm. ENS’ Namechain initiative comes as part of the ENSv2 upgrade to the Ethereum Name Service, which aims to improve scalability and cost-effective transactions. ENSv2 was announced earlier this year and aims to make the Ethereum Name Service more efficient to use.

ENSv2 Upgrade and Tier 2 Benefits

  • Layer 2 Adoption: Domain name registrations and renewals will move to the Namechain network at Layer 2. This will reduce transaction costs and increase transaction speed.

  • Layer 1 Integration: Name resolution services will reside on the Ethereum Layer 1 network to maintain ENS’s decentralized infrastructure and compatibility.

The move to Tier 2 is expected to increase ENS’ capacity to process higher volumes of domain name registrations and renewals, while also improving the overall user experience and driving cost efficiency.

With Namechain, ENS plans to further expand its use in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other blockchain-based ecosystems. This step reinforces ENS’s commitment to be at the forefront of innovative solutions in the blockchain space while maintaining compatibility with Ethereum’s core network.