Introduction
Ethereum is the most popular blockchain for decentralized applications (DApps). However, it is also one of the most congested, with transaction fees often reaching exorbitant levels. This has made it difficult for many users to adopt Ethereum, and has limited the growth of the DApp ecosystem.
There are a number of solutions to Ethereum’s scalability problem. One promising approach is hybrid rollups. Hybrid rollups combine the benefits of two different scalability solutions: optimistic rollups and zero-knowledge rollups.
Optimistic rollups are a type of Layer 2 scaling solution that moves computation off-chain to reduce network congestion and cut gas costs. Transactions are processed off-chain and then submitted to the Ethereum mainnet for verification. If a dispute arises, a fraud proof can be submitted to the mainnet and the verifiers will vote on the validity of the transaction.
Zero-knowledge rollups are a type of Layer 2 scaling solution that provides security and fast finality. Transactions are processed off-chain using zero-knowledge proofs, which are cryptographic proofs that can be verified without revealing the underlying data. This allows for fast finality, with transactions being confirmed within seconds.
How hybrid rollups work
Hybrid rollups combine the benefits of optimistic rollups and zero-knowledge rollups. Transactions are processed off-chain using optimistic rollups, but finality is provided by zero-knowledge rollups. This allows for high scalability and security.
In a hybrid rollup, each batch of transactions is processed off-chain by a sequencer. The sequencer then submits a fraud proof to the Ethereum mainnet. If no fraud is detected, the transaction is confirmed and the state of the rollup is updated. If fraud is detected, the verifiers will vote on the validity of the transaction.
Benefits of hybrid rollups
Hybrid rollups offer a number of benefits over other scalability solutions.
- Scalability:Â Hybrid rollups can scale to millions of transactions per day. This is because transactions are processed off-chain, which reduces the load on the Ethereum mainnet.
- Security:Â Hybrid rollups are secure because they use zero-knowledge proofs. This means that transactions can be verified without revealing the underlying data.
- Speed:Â Hybrid rollups offer fast finality. Transactions are confirmed within seconds, which makes them suitable for DeFi applications.
Drawbacks of hybrid rollups
Hybrid rollups have a few drawbacks.
- Complexity:Â Hybrid rollups are more complex to implement than other scalability solutions. This means that they may not be suitable for all DApps.
- Cost:Â There is a small cost associated with using hybrid rollups. This is because the sequencers need to be compensated for their services.
Conclusion
Hybrid rollups are a promising scalability solution for Ethereum. They offer a balance of scalability, security, and speed. As the DApp ecosystem continues to grow, hybrid rollups are likely to play an increasingly important role in scaling Ethereum.
Additional information
- Optimistic rollups are a type of Layer 2 scaling solution that moves computation off-chain to reduce network congestion and cut gas costs. Transactions are processed off-chain and then submitted to the Ethereum mainnet for verification. If a dispute arises, a fraud proof can be submitted to the mainnet and the verifiers will vote on the validity of the transaction.
- Zero-knowledge rollups are a type of Layer 2 scaling solution that provides security and fast finality. Transactions are processed off-chain using zero-knowledge proofs, which are cryptographic proofs that can be verified without revealing the underlying data. This allows for fast finality, with transactions being confirmed within seconds.
- Rollups are a general term for Layer 2 scaling solutions that move computation off-chain. Rollups can be optimistic rollups, zero-knowledge rollups, or a combination of both.
- Layer 2 scaling solutions are solutions that scale Ethereum by moving computation off-chain. Layer 2 solutions can be used to increase scalability, security, and speed.
- Layer 1 scaling solutions are solutions that scale Ethereum by increasing the capacity of the Ethereum mainnet. Layer 1 solutions are more difficult to implement than Layer 2 solutions, but they offer the potential for greater scalability.
- The Ethereum mainnet is the public blockchain that runs the Ethereum network. The Ethereum mainnet is secured by a network of miners who validate transactions and secure the network.
- DeFi stands for decentralized finance. DeFi is a financial system that is built on top of blockchain technology. DeFi applications allow users to perform financial transactions without the need for a central authority.
