Apakah penyelesaian skalabiliti Ethereum di luar Layer-2?

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Understanding Ethereum’s Scalability Challenges

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation, has been a cornerstone of the decentralised finance (DeFi) and smart contract ecosystems. However, as its popularity has surged, so too have the challenges associated with its scalability. This article delves into the various solutions beyond Layer-2 that are being explored to address Ethereum’s scalability issues.

The Scalability Trilemma

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the scalability trilemma, a concept coined by Ethereum’s co-founder, Vitalik Buterin. The trilemma posits that blockchain systems can only achieve two out of the following three attributes simultaneously:

• Decentralisation: The degree to which the network is distributed and not controlled by a single entity.
• Security: The ability to protect the network against attacks and ensure data integrity.
• Scalability: The capacity to handle a large number of transactions per second (TPS).

Ethereum has traditionally prioritised decentralisation and security, often at the expense of scalability. This has led to high gas fees and slower transaction times, particularly during periods of high network congestion.

Layer-1 Solutions: Enhancing the Base Layer

Layer-1 solutions aim to improve the base layer of the Ethereum blockchain itself. These solutions are integral to the network and do not rely on external protocols or layers.

Sharding

Sharding is a technique that involves splitting the Ethereum blockchain into smaller, more manageable pieces called “shards.” Each shard operates as a separate chain, capable of processing its own transactions and smart contracts. This parallel processing significantly increases the network’s overall throughput.

Sharding is a core component of Ethereum 2.0, the network’s long-awaited upgrade. By distributing the load across multiple shards, Ethereum 2.0 aims to achieve a TPS rate that is orders of magnitude higher than the current Ethereum 1.0.

Proof of Stake (PoS)

Another critical aspect of Ethereum 2.0 is the transition from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS). PoS is a consensus mechanism that replaces miners with validators, who are chosen based on the number of tokens they hold and are willing to “stake” as collateral.

PoS is more energy-efficient and can process transactions faster than PoW. This transition is expected to reduce the network’s energy consumption by over 99% and improve its scalability.

Alternative Layer-1 Blockchains

While Ethereum remains a dominant force in the blockchain space, several alternative Layer-1 blockchains have emerged, offering different approaches to scalability.

Polkadot

Polkadot is a multi-chain network that enables different blockchains to interoperate. It uses a unique sharding mechanism called “parachains,” which run parallel to the main relay chain. This architecture allows Polkadot to achieve high throughput while maintaining security and decentralisation.

Solana

Solana is another Layer-1 blockchain designed for high performance. It employs a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of History (PoH), which timestamps transactions to create a historical record. This allows Solana to achieve a TPS rate of over 50,000, making it one of the fastest blockchains in existence.

Layer-0 Solutions: The Underlying Infrastructure

Layer-0 solutions focus on the underlying infrastructure that supports multiple blockchains. These solutions aim to enhance interoperability and scalability across different blockchain networks.

Cosmos

Cosmos is a Layer-0 protocol that enables different blockchains to communicate and interoperate. It uses a hub-and-spoke model, where individual blockchains (zones) connect to a central hub. This architecture allows for seamless asset transfers and data sharing between different blockchains.

Interledger Protocol (ILP)

The Interledger Protocol (ILP) is another Layer-0 solution designed to facilitate interoperability between different payment networks. ILP enables the transfer of value across different ledgers, making it easier for various blockchains to work together.

Hybrid Solutions: Combining Multiple Approaches

Some projects are exploring hybrid solutions that combine elements of Layer-1, Layer-2, and Layer-0 to achieve optimal scalability.

Plasma and Rollups

Plasma and Rollups are Layer-2 solutions that can be integrated with Layer-1 improvements to enhance scalability further. Plasma chains are smaller, secondary chains that offload transactions from the main Ethereum chain, while Rollups bundle multiple transactions into a single batch for more efficient processing.

State Channels

State channels are another Layer-2 solution that can be combined with Layer-1 enhancements. They allow users to conduct multiple transactions off-chain, with only the final state being recorded on the main blockchain. This reduces the load on the main chain and improves scalability.

Challenges and Considerations

While these solutions offer promising avenues for improving Ethereum’s scalability, they also come with their own set of challenges and considerations.

• Complexity: Implementing these solutions can be technically complex and require significant changes to the existing infrastructure.
• Security: Ensuring the security of new protocols and mechanisms is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the network.
• Adoption: Widespread adoption of new solutions is necessary for them to be effective. This requires buy-in from developers, users, and other stakeholders.

Future Prospects

The future of Ethereum’s scalability lies in a combination of Layer-1, Layer-2, and Layer-0 solutions. As the ecosystem continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative approaches to addressing the scalability trilemma.

Ethereum 2.0, with its sharding and PoS mechanisms, is a significant step forward. However, it will likely be complemented by Layer-2 solutions like Rollups and Plasma, as well as Layer-0 protocols like Cosmos and ILP.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ethereum’s scalability challenges are being addressed through a multi-faceted approach that includes Layer-1, Layer-2, and Layer-0 solutions. While each solution has its own set of advantages and challenges, the combined efforts of the blockchain community are paving the way for a more scalable and efficient Ethereum network.

As these solutions continue to develop and mature, we can expect to see significant improvements in Ethereum’s transaction throughput, making it more capable of supporting the growing demands of the DeFi and smart contract ecosystems.

Q&A Section

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