Below is a guest post Rob ViglioneCEO Horizen Labs.
If I stopped using Dial-Up Internet, I never got Netflix, real-time gaming or cloud computing. The evolution of internet infrastructure paved the way for popular adoption. Similarly, Layer-3 is an inevitable evolution of blockchain infrastructure. Recover friction, reduce costs, and blockchain is really ready for mainstream users. However, critics continue to argue that it adds unnecessary complexity.
This discussion of the role of Layer-3 is active for us at Horizen Labs. Horizen Dao recently Base ecosystema critical governance decision that marks the beginning of the transition to the foundation of Horizen’s base as an app chine specializing in applications providing privacy. I agree with the Layer 3 paper and believe that Layer 3 represents the next evolution of blockchain scalability.
The move to Horizen’s base is not only following trends, but also recognizing that a more modular, interoperable blockchain stack is key to driving real-world adoption. We are not just theorizing. We’re building.
history
For Crypto to reach 1 billion users, transactions must be fast, inexpensive and seamless. Layer-3 is not an academic exercise. They are a practical response to the fact that even Layer-2 is not cheap enough for mass adoption. Layer-3 is also optimized for special features that are currently not possible in Layer 1 and Layer 2, such as enhancements to the ZK function.
Essentially, Layer-3S addresses core issues. If Ethereum (Layer-1) is expensive, Layer-2 is useful by chaining transactions and committing only the final state proof to Layer-1. Layer-3 takes this further by setting yourself up to Layer 2 rather than directly on Ethereum, creating a hierarchical model that minimizes costs at each level.
Layer-3 appeared naturally as blockchain architects sought greater efficiency. Starkware first outlined the concepts based on the semester in late 2021 “Fractal Scaling. ” Vitalik Buterin explored Layer-3 design in 2022 and proposed professional objectives beyond simple scaling. By 2023, major Ethereum scaling teams began implementing the Layer-3 framework. Arbitrum introduced orbits to activate Layer 3 “orbit chain.” Matter Labs has released a ZK stack for building ZK-Rollups as either Layer-2 or Layer-3. These developments have pushed Layer 3 from theory to practice.
Not everyone is a fan
Critics have argued a few points for Layer 3. Many people believe that the Layer 2 solution has not yet reached full maturity, and it is too early to create Layer 3. Some argue that Layer 3 adds complexity. But great technology is to make users less visible to complexity, just like the Internet did. You can see some Layer 3 as redundant and optimize your Layer 2 solution to achieve your goals.
However, important realizations have emerged that make Layer 3 even more timely. Even Layer 2, built to allow faster and cheaper transactions, may still be insufficient.
In some cases, Layer 3 can even further abstract costs, ensuring close to zero gas prices. This cost abstraction is essential. Adopting blockchain requires almost free transactions for end users, and Layer 3 provides this functionality accurately.
This allows you to compensate for your future. Ultimately, it is suitable for new users to board, is better due to liquidity, and it is better to encourage the construction of new Dapps Onchains. Adoptions accelerate when users can trade without worrying about gas fees. Developers can build applications that are not economically viable on expensive networks and are not constrained by transaction costs, liquidity flows more freely. The benefits of the entire ecosystem.
But abstraction isn’t just about cost savings. Also, it’s about ease of use and customization.
Customization and connection
Layer-3 is also a natural response to the fear of ecological isolation. The chain doesn’t want to be silent. Standalone Layer-1 blockchain faces important challenges. You need to bootstrap your own security, attract users from scratch and build a whole new infrastructure. Many “Ethereum Killers” like Cardano, Phantom and Tezos have discovered how difficult this journey can be.
Layer-3S offers an alternative path that provides better customization options while still keeping the chain connected to the established ecosystem. This is where they have real potential. Application-specific chains can be optimized for your own use cases, such as zero-knowledge proofs, games, DEFI, social networks, or enterprise applications. You can implement custom virtual machines, consensus mechanisms, or privacy features tailored to your needs, but everything is connected to a broader ecosystem and benefits from its liquidity and security.
With this blend of customization and connectivity, these application-specific apps are excellent at ultimately benefiting end users.
The road to abstraction
People may argue that Layer-3 makes Web3 too complicated, but there is a good chance that it can solve its own problem. If implemented correctly, the end users do not see complexity.
Modern Dup allows you to abstract the underlying layers through smart wallet design and intuitive interface. Users don’t need to know which layers Internet users are trading more than they need to understand the TCP/IP protocol. They simply experience faster, cheaper transactions and better products.
This natural evolution of blockchain architecture is a positive step. The balance between Layer-3S sovereignty and interoperability. Maximize cost-effectiveness without sacrificing security. It allows for specialized optimizations while maintaining ecosystem connectivity. These are more than just great features. These are essential for blockchain to achieve mainstream adoption.
The internet did not take off because the user understood packet switching or HTTP protocols. It worked so we took off. Layer-3 brings you closer to the world of blockchain, “just work.” And that’s how ciphers win.
