The Future Direction of Ethereum's L2 Networks

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently shared new insights on the development of Layer 2 (L2) networks. He pointed out that as Ethereum's Layer 1 (L1) improves in scalability and gas limits, L2 networks are no longer confined to a simple scaling role.

Buterin emphasized that L2 networks need to deliver added value, such as privacy protection, customized virtual machines, efficient application support, extreme scalability, and innovations for non-financial sectors like social networks, identity verification, and artificial intelligence.

Best Practices for L2 Networks

To deliver real value, L2 networks should follow best practices, including maintaining base-level standards and ensuring high interoperability with the Ethereum mainnet. Additionally, integrating native Rollup precompiles (such as ZK-EVM verification) can ensure more secure cross-chain operations.

  • Maintain stage 1 standards
  • Enhance interoperability with Ethereum
  • Explore ZK-EVM verification integration
  • Enable trustless cross-chain operations

In the end, the L2 ecosystem will take a diverse form, with chains fully dependent on Ethereum's trust, as well as chains with varying degrees of connection, each focused on specific functions or use cases.