Ethereum: Layer 2 (L2) Chain Relays – A Base Chain Solution
The Ethereum network has been a pioneer in decentralized applications and smart contracts. However, its scalability limitations have led to the need for alternative solutions to improve transaction throughput and reduce congestion. One such solution is the concept of the Layer 2 (L2) chain, also known as the Base chain.
Why L2 Chains Matter
Layer 2 chains are designed to offload a large amount of load from the Ethereum mainnet, enabling faster and more efficient transactions. They use various techniques such as summaries, optimistic summaries, and zk summaries to reduce gas fees and increase transaction capacity. However, these solutions have not yet been widely adopted by major players in the space.
Current State of Relay Platforms
The current state of relay platforms on Ethereum is limited. Flashbots are one notable example that relays bundles (e.g. for the Base chain) to the mainnet. However, as you pointed out, there are no dedicated relay platforms specifically designed for L2 chains such as the Base chain.
Workaround
Given the limitations and lack of dedicated solutions, it is imperative to explore alternative approaches. A possible solution is to develop a custom relay platform tailored to the specific requirements of L2 chains.
Proposed Solution: “Ethereum Relay” (ER)
The proposed Ethereum Relay is a decentralized relay platform designed specifically for L2 chains such as the Base chain. The ER will utilize a combination of techniques including:
- Packet Optimization: Optimize packet transmission using techniques such as optimistic roll-up and zk-rollups to reduce gas fees.
- Relay Network Architecture: Design of a decentralized relay network that can efficiently process large-scale transactions.
- Smart Contract Integration: Integrate smart contracts to enable seamless transaction processing and optimization.
Key Features of Ethereum Relay
- Scalability
: Designed to process millions of transactions per second, making it an efficient solution for L2 chains.
- Optimization: Uses advanced techniques such as packet optimization and relay network architecture to reduce gas fees.
- Smart Contract Integration: Enables seamless transaction processing and optimization using smart contracts.
Benefits of Ethereum Relay
- Increased Transaction Capacity: ER will enable faster and more efficient transactions on L2 chains, reducing congestion and increasing adoption.
- Enhanced Scalability: ER’s scalable architecture ensures that the relay platform can handle large transactions without compromising performance.
- Enhanced Security
: ER includes advanced security measures to prevent transaction tampering and ensure trusted execution.
Conclusion
The Ethereum Relay concept represents a promising solution for L2 chains such as Base chain. By developing our own relay platform, we can unlock scalability, optimization, and security benefits that are currently missing from existing solutions. We believe that Ethereum Relay has the potential to revolutionize the way L2 chains operate, making it a fundamental part of the Ethereum ecosystem.
Next Steps
We propose the following steps to further develop and refine the Ethereum Relay concept:
- Research and Development: Continue to research and develop ER using open-source tools and libraries.
- Community Engagement: Engage with the community to get feedback, identify potential issues, and validate the effectiveness of the protocol.
- Testing and Deployment: Plan for thorough testing and deployment of ER on a large test network to ensure its viability.
