A network built on top of a Layer 1 that processes transactions off-chain and posts proofs or summaries back to the L1. Optimistic rollups (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base) assume validity and challenge fraud; ZK rollups (zkSync, Starknet) prove validity cryptographically. L2s offer 10–100x lower fees than the L1, paid back to the L1 in proportionally lower volume.
Layer 2
A network built on top of a Layer 1 that processes transactions off-chain and posts proofs or summaries back to the L1. Optimistic rollups (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base) assume validity and challenge fraud; ZK rollups (zkSync, Starknet) prove validity cryptographically. L2s offer 10–100x lower fees than the L1, paid back to the L1 in proportionally lower volume.
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