- Alt L1s remain vital, challenging Ethereum’s reliance on the EVM and preserving decentralization, freedom, and permissionless access.
- Native rollups reshape L2s by eliminating complex proof systems, enhancing security, and reducing reliance on external validators.
- Ethereum’s execute precompile ensures correctness in native rollups, offering a more seamless, trustless scaling solution.
Core developer of MultiversX Robert Sasu recently addressed misconceptions regarding alternative Layer 1 (alt L1) networks following the MegaETH public testnet launch. Some industry voices argue that alt L1s are becoming obsolete. However, Sasu refutes these claims, emphasizing that foundational values such as decentralization, permissionless access, and total freedom are critical.
The shift towards Web2-style infrastructure contradicts the core vision of Web3. He also questions Ethereum’s reliance on the EVM, pointing out its inefficiencies and the redundancy of merely replicating applications across multiple protocols.
The Rise of Native Rollups
Meanwhile, Ethereum’s ecosystem is with discussions about native rollups. Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake claims broad support for the concept. Major players like Optimism and Base are considering integrating this technology, potentially reshaping Layer 2 (L2) networks. However, native rollups are not yet widely understood, especially outside technical circles.
Native rollups revolutionize proof mechanisms in L2s. Traditionally, optimistic rollups assume all transactions are valid and allow challenges via fraud proofs. This process introduces latency, requiring a seven-day waiting period for withdrawals. Conversely, zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups) use cryptographic proofs, ensuring transactions are verified instantly. However, both models require intricate security frameworks, including councils and multisigs, to address vulnerabilities.
Enhancing Security and Decentralization
The native rollup proposal simplifies these systems. Instead of external proofs, native rollups submit a “trace” of transactions directly to Ethereum. The execute precompile feature then re-executes transactions within Ethereum’s execution environment, ensuring correctness. This eliminates the need for complex proof systems and external security councils.
Moreover, native rollups enhance decentralization. Without dependency on third-party security mechanisms, user funds remain as secure as they would on Ethereum. This advancement removes trust assumptions, mitigating risks associated with faulty proof systems. As Alex Hook from 2077 and Untronfi explains, native rollups safeguard assets without external dependencies, marking a change in Ethereum’s scaling approach.
