Layer 2

Openverse Network is a Layer 0 blockchain infrastructure network built on the vision of a "Value Internet (价值互联网)", designed to connect assets, identities, messages, and application data across different blockchains, enabling the free flow of value within a multi-chain ecosystem. Unlike traditional public chains that focus on developing their own ecosystems, Openverse prioritizes building a unified cross-chain infrastructure, allowing different networks to interconnect like websites on the internet.

Polygon is one of the most closely watched Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solutions. Through its low cost, high speed, and EVM-compatible architecture, it helps numerous Web3 applications improve Operar efficiency. Recently, Polygon has further reduced block times and advanced privacy stablecoin payment features, actively expanding into on-chain payments and institutional-grade financial markets.

Polygon is one of the most prominent Layer 2 scaling solutions in the Ethereum ecosystem, yet many still don't understand how it dramatically reduces transaction costs and boosts performance while maintaining full compatibility with Ethereum.

Polygon first rose to prominence for addressing Ethereum's high gas fees, but its focus has since evolved well beyond a simple Layer 2 scaling solution. Spanning DeFi, NFTs, stablecoin payments, and institutional finance, Polygon is steadily building a more comprehensive Web3 infrastructure ecosystem.

OP Stack is an open source modular blockchain development framework launched by Optimism to help developers build Ethereum compatible Layer 2 networks. By modularizing functions such as the execution layer, settlement layer, sequencing layer, and data availability layer, OP Stack lowers the barrier to developing Rollup networks and provides a unified technical standard for multi-chain coordination.

Optimism and Arbitrum are both Layer 2 scaling networks built on Ethereum, and both use Optimistic Rollup technology to reduce transaction costs and increase network throughput. However, they differ significantly in technical implementation, governance systems, ecosystem strategies, and developer frameworks. Optimism focuses on developing the OP Stack and Superchain ecosystem, while Arbitrum advances scalability through Arbitrum Orbit and a multi layer Rollup architecture.

Superchain and Polygon AggLayer are both infrastructure solutions designed to address liquidity fragmentation, fragmented user experiences, and cross chain interoperability in the multi-chain blockchain ecosystem. However, they take different development paths. Superchain is driven by Optimism and connects multiple Layer 2 networks through the unified technical standard of OP Stack. Polygon AggLayer connects different types of blockchain networks through aggregated proofs and a unified settlement layer.

Optimism is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling network built on Optimistic Rollup technology. It is designed to reduce transaction costs, increase transaction throughput, and inherit Ethereum’s security. As blockchain applications continue to scale, Optimism moves large volumes of transactions off chain for processing, then submits the results to the Ethereum mainnet, allowing the network to operate more efficiently.

Optimism Explorer is a blockchain explorer purpose-built for the Optimism network, offering users detailed transaction lookup and address data analysis. It enables real-time tracking of transaction statuses, covering both unconfirmed and confirmed transactions, and shows the final settlement outcomes on the Ethereum mainnet (Layer 1).

Linea donated its core ZK Rollup technology stack to an open-source organization under the Linux Foundation, launching an open-source project called Lineth. This article explains the relationship between Linea, ZK Rollup, Lineth, and decentralized governance in accessible terms, and examines the potential impact of this partnership on the Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem.

Lineth is an open-source ZK Rollup technology project donated by Linea to the Linux Foundation, covering the execution layer, consensus system, Proof System, and Layer1/Layer2 smart contracts. This article delves into Lineth's technical architecture and explores how ZK Rollup leverages zero-knowledge proofs to boost the efficiency and scalability of Ethereum Layer2.

As Ethereum increasingly shifts toward a Rollup-centric development model, Layer 2 governance and decentralization are drawing growing market scrutiny. By placing its core technology under the Linux Foundation's stewardship, Linea is doing more than just open-sourcing—it marks a fundamental transformation in how Layer 2 ecosystems are governed.

Citrea is a ZK Rollup network that uses Bitcoin as its data availability layer and settlement layer. Through BitVM and Type 2 zkEVM technology, it provides BTC with smart contract and BTCFi capabilities. Compared with traditional Bitcoin sidechains, Citrea places greater emphasis on a “Bitcoin native” architecture, aiming to let BTC support DeFi, stablecoins, lending, and on-chain financial applications without changing Bitcoin’s consensus rules.

The ctUSD Vault is a core stablecoin liquidity module in Citrea’s BTCFi ecosystem. Through stablecoin deposits, on-chain asset allocation, and CTR incentives, it provides foundational liquidity support for the Bitcoin DeFi market. Its goal is to build a more stable on-chain capital flow system within a Bitcoin Layer2 environment.

Citrea uses zkEVM, zero knowledge proofs, or ZK Proofs, and BitVM to provide BTC with smart contract and BTCFi capabilities. Unlike traditional Bitcoin sidechains, Citrea places greater emphasis on a “Bitcoin native” architecture, aiming to bring final security back to the Bitcoin mainnet. Citrea’s Rollup process mainly includes five stages: transaction execution, state batching, ZK Proof generation, data submission, and Bitcoin verification. User transactions are first executed in Layer2 zkEVM. The system then generates state proofs and completes final verification and settlement through BitVM and Bitcoin.