The ecosystem requires an open decentralized protocol for swiftly transferring assets between L2 networks, integrated into wallet interfaces by default, according to Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.
We need an open decentralized (operator-free, governance-free) protocol for quickly moving assets from one L2 to another, and for that to be integrated into wallets’ default sending interface.
Get the basics done before getting too committed to any fancy toys.
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) May 21, 2024
In his view, the biggest challenge in user interaction is that the second-layer solution space does not sufficiently feel like a “unified Ethereum.” He noted that the situation has improved over the year but is “far from perfect.”
Meanwhile, many things are easier to implement through the first layer than the second, Buterin emphasized. He cited examples such as:
- token transfers;
- interaction with ENS;
- key changes in wallet smart contracts (both personal and organizational).
The same applies to basic security, the use of light clients, and proof systems for rollups, Buterin believes.
He is convinced that the proposed unified layer for cross-chain interaction of L2 protocols should be built at a fundamental level and replace all existing solutions (such as Optimism’s Superchain).
> Does it complement the solutions different L2 ecosystems… (e.g Superchain), or does it replace them entirely?
Replace entirely. We need to get serious on doing this ethereum-wide; if there are five separate solutions for five sub-ecosystems, that’s needless fragmentation.
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) May 21, 2024
“We need to get serious about this Ethereum expansion. If there are five separate solutions for five sub-ecosystems, that’s needless fragmentation,” Buterin added.
Earlier, the Ethereum co-founder identified MEV, liquid staking, and the cost of running a full node as three primary threats to blockchain decentralization.