Uniting Ethereum Rollups: Who Will Build the Necessary Infrastructure?

Understanding the Rollup Ecosystem: Unifying Infrastructure and the Future of Ethereum

In the world of cryptocurrency, Ethereum has taken a significant step in addressing scalability issues with the introduction of layer-2 rollups. However, for a streamlined user experience, there is a need for neutral third-party players to provide unifying infrastructure.

Anurag Arjun, co-founder of Avail, discussed the current state of the rollup ecosystem in an interview with Cointelegraph at the ETHGlobal conference in London. Arjun, who also co-founded Polygon, believes that building agnostic rollup infrastructure is crucial for unifying the Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem.

Polygon initially focused on developing technology aligned with Ethereum’s rollup-centric roadmap after launching their proof-of-stake chain. This shift required the creation of new infrastructure, as Arjun explains:

“Web 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0: Understanding the Differences and the Impact on Crypto”

The terms “web 1.0, 2.0, 3.0” are often used to describe the evolution of the internet. Web 1.0 refers to the early days of the internet, where static web pages were the norm. Web 2.0 introduced dynamic web modules, which required Java 1.6 or newer. And now, with the rise of blockchain technology, we are seeing the emergence of web 3.0. But what exactly sets web 3.0 apart from its predecessors?

One of the main differences between web 2.0 and web 3.0 is the focus on data ownership and decentralization. In web 2.0, data is often controlled by a few centralized entities, while in web 3.0, data is stored on a decentralized network, giving users more control over their information.

Furthermore, web 3.0 is built on blockchain technology, which allows for more secure and transparent transactions. This is a significant improvement from web 2.0, where data privacy and security were major concerns.

So, while web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 have all played important roles in shaping the internet, web 3.0 is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with technology and data, especially in the world of cryptocurrency.

“The Good, the Bad, and the Future of Crypto”

While the potential for web 3.0 and blockchain technology is immense, there are still challenges and criticisms surrounding the crypto industry. Some view it as a “bad” investment due to its volatility and lack of regulation.

However, the future of crypto looks promising, with more and more companies and institutions adopting blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. With the right infrastructure and regulations in place, crypto has the potential to become a mainstream asset class and transform the way we think about finance.

Understanding the Evolution of the Web: From Web 1.0 to Web 3.0

In March 2023, Arjun received the rights to use Polygon’s intellectual property, allowing him to establish a separate company, Avail, with Prabal Banerjee.

According to Arjun, their goal is to create a platform that caters to major rollup protocols like Starkware, zkSync, Arbitrum, and Optimism, making them rollup agnostic.

Arjun explains that they have implemented a technology called data sampling, which is similar to Ethereum’s sharding roadmap. This roadmap is expected to take several years to fully implement, and rollups cannot afford to wait that long for data sampling capabilities to efficiently verify their operations.

The Challenges of Achieving a Unified Rollup Ecosystem in the Crypto World

During their journey, Arjun and his team came to the realization that the key to solving rollups’ scalability issues lies in scalable data availability. This would pave the way for a world with numerous rollups, but with a subpar user experience. As Arjun puts it:

“It’s an accurate reflection of the current state of Ethereum, where users have to switch between different rollups to bridge funds or carry out transfers and swaps. This fragmented experience and the scattered nature of rollups is something we aim to address.”

The ultimate goal is to create a unified rollup ecosystem, but this requires a neutral third party to coordinate between the various rollups, each serving a different purpose. Arjun draws a parallel to Solana, which operates as one large chain with multiple applications, providing users with a seamless experience. In contrast, Ethereum’s focus on rollups has resulted in a fragmented ecosystem with numerous L2 chains.

Exploring the Differences Between Web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0

When comparing web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, it’s important to note that they each have their own unique characteristics and functionalities. Web 1.0, also known as the “static web,” was the first version of the internet and was primarily used for one-way communication, with users simply consuming information. Web 2.0, on the other hand, introduced more dynamic features and allowed for two-way communication and user-generated content. And now, with the emergence of web 3.0, we are seeing even more advancements and changes to the way we interact with the internet.

One of the key differences between web 2.0 and web 3.0 is the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. Web 3.0 is more decentralized and allows for greater user control and ownership of data. This is particularly relevant in the world of cryptocurrency, where blockchain technology is used to securely store and transfer digital assets.

Speaking of cryptocurrency, it’s important to note that the current state of the market is not ideal. Many people consider it to be “bad” or “unstable” today, but this is just a temporary setback. With the continued development and integration of web 3.0 technologies, we can expect to see a more stable and secure crypto market in the future.

Additionally, there is a growing need for cohesion and integration between different platforms and services in the crypto space. This is where Avail Nexus comes in, aiming to facilitate a specific integration standard between rollups. This technology can take aggregated proofs from various rollups and create a “coordinated rollup,” making it easier for different ecosystems to work together.

Overall, the differences between web 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 are significant and showcase the evolution of the internet and its capabilities. With the continued development and adoption of web 3.0 technologies, we can expect to see even more dynamic and interconnected online experiences in the future.

“The Ethereum Foundation or a third party not involved in rollup technology must lead the way,” Arjun concludes.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also spoke at ETHGlobal in London, emphasizing the importance of shifting towards building decentralized solutions on Ethereum’s rollup-enabled platform.