Base, the decentralized Ethereum Layer 2 scaling network, announced on Wednesday that it is transitioning from running on the L2 blockchain protocol Optimism’s technology stack to running on its own unified software architecture.
Base, which launched in 2023 as Optimism Chain, is moving to its own technology stack to reduce dependence on external service providers and speed up the time it takes to ship new upgrades, according to a Base announcement. The team said:
“Our integration with Base changes the way Base packages and releases software for the network. With each upgrade, we ship one official distribution, and therefore one Base binary to operate the nodes on the network.”
This migration also simplifies the Base network’s sequencer, which helps network validators order transactions, the Base engineering team said.
Base sequencer before and after migration to unified architecture. sauce: base
According to the roadmap provided by the project, the rollout will occur in four stages, and Node Runner will need to migrate to the new Base client over the next few months for a formal upgrade.
Ethereum co-founder changes Layer 2 scaling network adjustments
Earlier this month, Ethereum L1 blockchain network co-founder Vitalik Buterin pivoted to extending Ethereum via L2.
A basic roadmap for migrating away from an optimistic technology stack. sauce: base
Buterin said L2 is taking longer to transition to a fully decentralized model than originally thought, adding that Ethereum L1 is already scaling on its own and features record-low network fees.
“The original vision for L2 and its role in Ethereum no longer makes sense and a new path is needed,” Buterin said in February.
Buterin’s comments prompted mixed reactions from the L2 team, with some agreeing that scaling the network needs to pivot beyond Ethereum’s cheap execution layer.
“It’s great to see Ethereum extend L1. This is a win for the entire ecosystem. Going forward, L2 can’t just be ‘Ethereum but cheaper,’” replied Base founder Jesse Pollack.
sauce: jesse pollack
Other L2 founders argue that the scaling layer is already aligned with the network’s long-term goals.
According to L2Beat, there are over 128 different Ethereum L2 scaling networks at the time of publication.
