What is Layer 2? How to scale a blockchain
Have you noticed that transactions in networks like Ethereum can be slow and expensive? This is a scalability problem. But the crypto community has a solution — Layer
2. Today we will understand what it is and how it helps blockchains.
What is Layer 2?
Layer 2 (L2), or the second layer, is a separate blockchain or protocol that operates on top of the main blockchain (Layer 1).
Imagine: Layer 1 is the main but very busy highway. Layer 2 is the bypass that takes most of the traffic, making movement faster and cheaper.
Why is this so important?
The main problem of most blockchains is the scalability trilemma: it is impossible to have security, decentralization, and high transaction speed simultaneously. Layer 2 sacrifices decentralization to solve the scalability problem and reduce fees.
Layer 2 solutions take thousands of transactions, process them off the main network, and then send them to Layer 1 as a single, compressed record.
The main advantages of Layer 2
Speed: Transactions occur almost instantly.
Low fees: The cost of transactions decreases by tens or even hundreds of times.
Scalability: Allows the entire ecosystem to grow and attract new users without overloading the main network.
Conclusion: Layer 2 is not a competitor to Layer 1, but its best assistant. These solutions make blockchains truly suitable for mass use.
