Can Solana become Ethereum’s new L2? An article discusses the new paradigm of Rollup under modular narrative
Original author: Haotian (X: @tmel0211)
A new narrative of parallel EVM has emerged in the market, which is very interesting in layer 2. It can realize a new refined Rollup paradigm. To exaggerate, it can achieve the magic effect of Solana becoming the new layer 2 of Ethereum.
In my opinion, parallel EVM is just a highly modular manifestation of Rollup.After DA was invaded by a third party, the VM execution layer fell again, and layer 2 will be redefined in the future.Why? Next, let’s analyze it from a popular science perspective:
To understand this topic, you must first clarify the single-threaded execution model of EVM.
This model stipulates that transactions must be processed and confirmed one after another in order, which directly affects the transaction processing speed, block generation time, and transaction throughput, etc., and is the main reason for the high gas and congestion of the Ethereum main network.Moreover, the reason why it is designed to be single-threaded has certain historical limitations.
Since transactions on Ethereum are verified and executed by distributed independent nodes, it is necessary to ensure that the data of all addresses, such as balances, smart contract codes, etc., remain consistent between different nodes. At the same time, it is also necessary to ensure that there are no identical assets. The possibility of double spending arises.
This causes transactions to be queued in order. If parallel transactions occur, it may lead to errors in data synchronization between nodes. The key is that serious double-spending transactions may occur.
Popular explanation: The bank has only one service window, and customers must queue up in order to withdraw money. Whether it is deposits, withdrawals, loans and other services, one customer can only start the next one after completing the business. The advantage is that every operation of the banks account system will be accurately recorded. However, the queue time for customers will be longer;
If a bank opens multiple service windows and customers can choose a window to handle different businesses, there will be two windows trying to deduct money from one account at the same time. If the account system reconciliation between windows is not timely, it will lead to double spending. Obviously, this will Efficiency is obviously improved, but complex accounting logic will put pressure on the accounting system.
In the layer 1 independent chain scenario, if the bottom layer of the chain supports parallel processing, the problem will be easily solved.Since Solanas computing and storage states are separated, after its VM receives multiple transactions from users, the node will sort these transactions, and then call the independent storage system state data to detect whether there is a state conflict in these transactions. If there is no conflict, it will Transactions are packaged into a block. If there is a conflict, the conflicting transaction will be excluded from this block.
By comparison,The storage status of Ethereum is calculated in real time. Each transaction must wait for the completion of the previous transaction before updating the status. Therefore, it is impossible to filter transactions before waiting for packaging, which limits the possibility of parallel processing.
In the layer 2 Rollup chain scenario, to achieve parallel processing, the distance is similar. You can think of Solanas transaction calculation and storage status detection waiting for the POH timestamp as the process of the Rollup chain processing transactions in the Sequener and then batching them to the main network.
Now before layer 2 batches transactions, the Sequener will first arrange the nonces for the transactions in chronological order, and then batch them to the main network in order. How can it be multi-threaded?
1) Based on the AA account abstract model, multiple transactions can be initiated at the same time from the account status.For example, if two Transfers are executed at the same time, the AA smart contract will give them a nonce and need to be executed in order. If one is a Transfer and the other is an Approve, it can be processed in parallel more flexibly without being restricted by the nonce. In the AA account model, each account can customize transaction processing logic, and then cooperate with nonce to achieve high concurrency.
2) Refined processing of transactions in Sequencer can be performed,For example, when layer 2 transactions are submitted to Sequencer, Sequencer can quickly detect the transaction logic and perform refined sorting and screening. For example, if the same account initiates two Transfers, the latter one must be excluded. Waiting for the next batch, if the same account initiates two operations of different nature, they can be batched into a block at the same time.
Sound simple? But this is by no means the case. Taking the DeFi scenario as an example, Sequencer faces two major challenges in order to achieve refined management of transactions:
1) To analyze transaction data in real time and understand the smart contract calling methods and parameters of the incoming data,Take the common Staking in DeFi as an example. A Staking operation involves token transfer, status update, pledge period, and calculation of potential rewards, etc. If a large number of users send in some pledge transactions at the same time, if there are also transactions involving pledge and then transfer, coupled with complex Oralce price factors, etc., if Sequener cannot parse and process it properly, an error in one step may lead to serious accidents.
2) The Sequencer must ensure decentralization. Under the premise that the current layer 2 Sequencer is only a Batch transaction, the rights are already too great. If the Sequencer decentralization problem cannot be solved, then a refined Rollup will be given to the Sequencer. permission. If Sequencer makes fake transactions, blatantly engages in MEV traps, or even maliciously manipulates Oracle liquidation, etc., it will breed.
recent,Metis is popular. On the surface, it only achieves decentralization of Sequencer. On a deeper level, it builds a basic consensus premise for future Sequencer to do refined rollup.
Of course, relying on Sequencer to achieve highly refined Rollup transaction aggregation and processing is currently only an idea.Fortunately, the AA account abstraction and the open thinking of the modular combination of the entire blockchain provide prerequisites for the implementation of this idea.
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Moreover, as mentioned above, layer 2 is becoming increasingly modular as a whole. ZK technology is embedded in the OP Stack framework to achieve privacy expansion; the original Ethereum DA is converted into a third-party DA such as Celestia to reduce costs; ETH is gradually used as The tradition of gas fees has also been changed, giving layer 2 tokens greater practicality; even layer 2 can batch the transactions and submit them to different VM execution environments, and the transactions are processed on Solana and Ethereum. etc.
By then, a new paradigm will emerge. The current layer 2 is no longer just the layer 2 of Ethereum. Solana can also be the layer 2 of Ethereum, and even the definition of layer 2 will be magically changed.
Let’s boldly imagine that layer 2 has now become an entry-level “layer 1” that integrates high-concurrency transaction processing capabilities, and former layer 1s such as Ethereum and Solana have become a new “layer 2” for asset settlement and security assurance. .
Layer 2 has never been a rigid concept. Layer 2 platforms have always had the mission of solving large-scale concurrent processing of transactions and attracting incremental user market groups.
If the mission is achieved, under the modular idea, not only the legitimacy of Ethereum layer 1 will be broken, but the DA data availability, VM execution layer and even interoperability communication interaction of the entire chain will become infra for layer 2 to realize Mass Adoption.
By then, layer 2 will no longer be just a supplement to layer 1, but will become a powerful comprehensive transaction aggregation and distribution processing platform.Let me ask, who is whose layer 2?
