Solving Fragmentation Is Next Blockchain Race as Layer 2s Multiply, ZKsync Developer Says

As a researcher delving into the world of blockchain technology, I find myself aligning with Alex Gluchowski, CEO of Matter Labs, in recognizing fragmentation as a significant hurdle that our industry must address in the near future. The ZKsync layer-2 protocol, developed by his team, serves as a cornerstone in this discussion.

Currently, the focus is on addressing the issue of fragmentation in the market, as stated by Gluchowski during an interview with CoinDesk in New York on Wednesday.

Superchain, Elastic Chain

Various layer-2 networks encounter challenges when connecting with one another. To tackle this issue, innovative interoperability solutions have emerged, such as Matter Labs unveiling their Elastic Chain in June.

Competitors such as Polygon and Optimism have introduced their unique solutions for layer-2 challenges, like Polygon’s AggLayer and Optimism’s Interoperability solution. Their aim is to address the issue of fragmentation by allowing different chains within their ecosystems to connect through their interoperable layers, fostering a unified environment.

Meanwhile, as competition intensified among layer-2s employing zero-knowledge proofs, so too will contention arise between initiatives focusing on their interoperability offerings.

Gluchowski mentioned that the only two active blockchain constellations currently implementing interoperability are Optimism’s Superchain and Matter Labs’ Elastic Chain. He expresses skepticism about the feasibility of Optimism’s interoperability plans without updating their systems to accommodate zero-knowledge proofs, which he considers complex technologies.

One significant factor contributing to the rise of numerous chains recently is that these firms have streamlined the process, making it effortless for developers to replicate their technology and construct their own networks utilizing the same technological foundation.

The aim here is to make these various chains feel more integrated, such that users experience a single, unified chain when conducting transactions, rather than multiple distinct ones.

According to Gluchowski, it’s important to reconsider the excessive number of layer-2 chains and view them as valuable for particular applications rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. In essence, he questions whether all layer-2 chains are significant, and suggests that instead of numerous general purpose layer-2s, we might only require a few application-specific or community-specific ones.

Gluchowski stated that the situation could either be region-specific, such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, or Japan, due to their unique cultures and distinct approaches. Alternatively, it might be application-specific, like projects on the Elastic Chain that are exclusively gaming chains, which may not need to share infrastructure or blockchain space with DeFi (Decentralized Finance) or financial applications.