Layer 2 solutions help blockchains scale by processing transactions off the main chain.
Ethereum mainnet can only process ~15 transactions per second. When busy, this causes high fees and slow confirmations.
Rollups bundle many transactions and post compressed data to Layer 1.
Optimistic Rollups
- Assume transactions valid, allow challenges
- 7-day withdrawal period
- Examples: Arbitrum, Optimism, Base
ZK Rollups
- Prove validity with cryptographic proofs
- Faster withdrawals
- Examples: zkSync, StarkNet, Polygon zkEVM
- 10-100x cheaper fees
- Faster confirmations
- Same security as mainnet (eventually)
- Growing ecosystem
Moving assets between chains/layers.
Native Bridges: Official bridge for each L2
- Safest option
- May have waiting periods
Third-party Bridges: Hop, Across, Stargate
- Faster
- Additional smart contract risk
Bridges are high-risk targets (billions stolen).
- Use official bridges when possible
- Double-check URLs
- Start with small amounts
- Consider the trade-off: speed vs security
1. Add L2 network to MetaMask (use chainlist.org)
2. Bridge small amount using official bridge
3. Explore apps on the L2