The rumors are true: Metis is leading innovation among all L2s.
Metis Andromeda has revolutionized the Layer 2 landscape forever, as it became the cheapest Layer 2 in existence. By tackling one of the 7-not-yet-fully-solved challenges shared by Vitalik in early 2021, Andromeda network is achieving tx fees never seen before in the Layer 2 space. The most recent proof of Metis being at the forefront of L2 innovation is a whole new classification being created for this novel technology, as it keeps breaking paradigms: Smart L2s.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vitalik sets a higher standard for layer 2s. <br><br>The Ethereum co-founder believes that layer-2 transaction fees need to be under $0.05 to be “truly acceptable.” Do you agree with Vitalik? <a href="https://t.co/d4Zw7tMz6p">https://t.co/d4Zw7tMz6p</a></p>— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cointelegraph/status/1521988214675890179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2022</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Originally, L2Beat reclassified us as an “Optimistic Chain”. Even though we do think the term sounds pretty catchy, it’s not accurate for our innovative infrastructure. The word “chain” would imply that Metis Andromeda has its own consensus mechanism, which is most definitely not the case, given Metis Andromeda still relies on Ethereum’s security. Smart L2s are Layer 2s with an innovative approach of submitting only what is needed, and having the ability to bring back the rest if needed: pretty much an On-Demand Rollup.
Every time there’s innovation, there will be critics to come with it. Human beings have always been, and still are, afraid of what they aren’t capable of understand. Some great examples of inventions that were criticized, and in some cases even ridiculed at first, include:
To keep it short… We know how these end.
A Smart L2 is the newest and most recently updated form of traditional optimistic rollups.
Smart L2s are a Layer 2 infrastructures that:
We consider our new model to have the optimal balance, since it enjoys enhanced scalability, enhanced economic benefits, and Ethereum’s L1 consensus mechanism / underlying security.
Hold up! If Metis rolls up transactions, how is it not a rollup?!
Purely semantics. Quoted by Vitalik Buterin: “Rollups move computation (and state storage) off-chain, but keep some data per transaction on-chain. To improve efficiency, they use a whole host of fancy compression tricks to replace data with computation wherever possible.”
Even though Metis does keep the txs MerkleTreeRoot and stateroot in mainchain, these are not considered “data” and therefore Metis don’t qualify for a “pure rollup”. Like we said: purely semantics. We are not here to argue, though: we are here to build, to innovate and to keep leading the exploration of the Layer 2 space.
“But what about the Fisherman’s Dilemma previously mentioned by Vitalik”
Metis gets around the fisher dilemma because under this model, the sequencer is not a permanent role. So the cost of kicking out a bad sequencer is finite, so Metis’s security again is backed by L1’s security through fraud proofing. Regarding other situations when the sequencer stops the entire peer network and withholds the data: Metis has all these situations covered by making the cost of dealing with those situations finite and feasible.
Metis still relies on the security of Ethereum Mainnet as the last line of defense for its L2. Metis does have a peer network to catch block production issues even sooner, but calling Metis a sidechain would completely ignore the fact that our Layer 2 security is ultimately based on L1’s. We’re not getting rid of Ethereum Mainnet’s security; we’re adding an extra layer to it.
Let’s briefly define each and then see how Metis, and Smart L2s, differ from the rest:
Sidechain: A sidechain is a separate blockchain which runs in parallel to Ethereum Mainnet and operates independently. It has its own consensus algorithm. It is connected to Mainnet by a two-way bridge.
Plasma: A plasma chain is a separate blockchain that is anchored to the main Ethereum chain, and uses fraud proofs (like optimistic rollups) to arbitrate disputes. These chains are sometimes referred to as “child” chains as they are essentially smaller copies of the Ethereum Mainnet. Plasma does not support general computation. Only basic token transfers, swaps, and a few other transaction types are supported via predicate logic.
Validium: Uses validity proofs like ZK-rollups but data is not stored on the main layer 1 Ethereum chain. Limited support for general computation/smart contracts; specialized languages required.
Rollups: Perform transaction execution outside layer 1 and then the data is posted to layer 1 where consensus is reached. As transaction data is included in layer 1 blocks, this allows rollups to be secured by native Ethereum security.
Receiving Transaction Data
Posting Transaction and State Data
Retrieving Transaction and State Data
Comparing Results
Sequencer/Block Producer
Verifier
Receiving Transaction Data
Posting Transaction and State Data
Retrieving Transaction and State Data
Comparing Results
Ensuring Data Availability
Sequencer
Block Producer
Peer Network
Memolabs
Validator
There is no definite answer on which layer 2 solution is better, and there isn’t supposed to be one. Even though sometimes innovation is perceived as competition, we’re all here for the same reason: to make Ethereum better and to help Web3.0 achieve the mass adoption that we know is coming. We already tackled and are solving one of the 7 not-yet-fully-solved challenges in rollups, and you know this is just the beginning: Metis will keep knocking down one domino after another. We’re eager to share our vision with the world and very excited for the 2nd half of this 2022. So… buckle up, anon.
