The Solana blockchain platform is widely used due to its high transaction processing capacity and low fees. However, looking at past developments, new advancements in the Solana Layer 2 are starting to take shape in this ecosystem. It is being built with the aim of improving features such as Scalability, Application-Specific Chains, and Data Privacy.
Layer 2 is primarily needed to enhance scalability for platforms like Ethereum. However, Solana can already handle a significant number of transactions at the base layer. Therefore, the purpose of Layer 2 on Solana is different:
Separating complex computations from the base layer for easier processing
Creating application-specific private chains
Creating low-latency decentralized applications (DEXs, gaming)
Key Layer 2 initiatives – on Solana
✅ Zeus Network
A Cross-chain Layer 2 solution for exchanging Liquidity and Data between Solana and other blockchains (e.g., Bitcoin).
✅ Zeta Markets
High-speed derivative trading applications operate like Layer 2 by creating execution on top of Solana.
✅ zk-Proofs and State Channels
Research on Zero-Knowledge proofs and off-chain state channels is ongoing on Solana. This will help enhance privacy and performance.
Layer 2 applications
GameFi and AI Apps – Fast, unique functionality.
Private Computation – Off-chain computation, On-chain security.
Custom Fee Structures – Personalized fee structures.
High-Frequency Trading – Suitable for real-time applications like DEXs and Live betting.
Challenges to be faced
🔒 Security Assurance – Layer 2 solutions must adhere to Solana's security standards.
🌐 Connected UX – The user experience between Layer 1 and Layer 2 must be seamlessly configured.
🔁 Liquidity Fragmentation – When multiple Layer 2 chains emerge, there is a potential for these to fragment liquidity.
Conclusion: Solana Layer 2 – A step forward for the future
The Solana blockchain is exploring Layer 2 not for scalability like other platforms, but with the aim of creating high-speed performance and personalized applications. This serves as a new layer to deliver a user experience similar to Web2 with Web3 security, making it a significant move.
