Layer 2 Solutions & Scaling
Understand why blockchains need scaling solutions and how Layer 2 technologies — rollups, sidechains, Lightning, and modular data availability — make crypto faster and cheaper.
5 lessons · 1 hr 35 min · intermediate
- 1The Blockchain Scalability ProblemLearn why blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum struggle with throughput and cost, the scalability trilemma, and why bigger blocks are not the answer.13 min
- 2Rollups: Optimistic, ZK, and the Dencun UpgradeUnderstand how rollups work, the difference between optimistic and ZK rollups, and how EIP-4844 (March 13, 2024) cut rollup fees by approximately 90 percent.14 min
- 3Lightning, Sidechains, Modular DA, and Account AbstractionExplore scaling approaches beyond rollups — the Lightning Network, sidechains, modular data-availability layers like Celestia, Cosmos IBC, and account abstraction.13 min
- 4Comparing Layer 2s: A Practical User's GuideA grounded comparison of today's major Layer 2 networks: who leads on TVL, who is fastest, who is cheapest, who has the strongest security guarantees, and a practical decision framework for choosing the right L2 for your use case.26 min
- 5Choosing Your L2: A Decision TreeA practical, worked-example decision framework for choosing among L2s. Cost, speed, security, ecosystem, liquidity, native tokens, withdrawal latency, sequencer risk, L2BEAT stages — applied to specific user scenarios with real-world bridging walkthroughs.29 min
Educational only — not financial advice.