Vitalik Buterin has floor into the ongoing conversation about rollups, offering a new perspective on how they interact with external data chains. This update comes at a time when the Ethereum community is deeply involved in discussions about the architecture and security of Layer 2 solutions.
Vitalik Buterin has floor into the ongoing conversation about rollups, offering a new perspective on how they interact with external data chains. This update comes at a time when the Ethereum community is deeply involved in discussions about the architecture and security of Layer 2 solutions.
Summaries in a new light
At the center of Buterin’s intervention is the distinction between traditional Ethereum rollups and the “Validium” solution.
In a nuanced interpretation, Buterin explained that when an Ethereum rollup uses an external data chain for data availability (DA), it passes into a validium. This represents a change from the previous understanding, where Ethereum Layer 2 solutions were almost exclusively equated with rollups. Central to Buterin’s explanation is the concept of “unconditional security guarantee,” a hallmark of rollups that ensures that users’ assets are recoverable under any circumstances.
However, this level of security may not be as robust when an external DA system is in play. However, Buterin sees a place for validiums, suggesting that with robust distributed DA systems, they can offer a significant boost to the practical security of an application.
Various opinions from the Ethereum community
The Ethereum community has engaged in a lively debate about the nuances of this new direction. Discussions have revolved around the implications of using various external chains, such as Celestia, as DA layers, and how these options impact a project’s classification as a Layer 2 solution.
Some community members noted that integrating external chains adds complexity to the Layer 2 landscape and could potentially overlook the unique attributes of each solution.
There are also concerns that the security of modular blockchain systems could be compromised if any component, such as the DA or execution layer, is weak.
Despite these concerns, other community members believe that categorizing these solutions as “layer 2” is still effective for communication purposes, especially when they use Ethereum’s layer 1 for security and settlement.
