OP Labs, the developer of the Optimism network, has announced the launch of a testnet version of its fault-proof system. This development marks an important step towards achieving a more decentralized and efficient Superchain. Currently, the new system is deployed to the Optimism Goerli network.
One of the key features of the OP Stack-based networks, such as Optimism and Base, is their use of centralized sequencers to bundle transactions and submit them to Ethereum. However, this centralized approach poses a risk of fraudulent transactions being confirmed if an attacker gains control over the sequencer. Users are unable to submit fraud proofs to block the sequencer from submitting incorrect data, which means they have to trust the block proposer to maintain the integrity of the L1 state roots. This lack of decentralization has been highlighted by L2Beat in its report on Optimism.
To address these concerns, OP Labs has introduced a fault-proof system that aims to enhance the decentralization of OP Stack networks. The new system enables users to submit fraud proofs, preventing fraudulent withdrawals to Ethereum and ensuring the overall security of the network. By doing so, Optimism can truly fulfill the criteria of being a decentralized layer 2 solution that relies on Ethereum for security.
In November 2022, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin acknowledged that some rollups might need to start off with temporary centralization while working on implementing a fraud-proof system. However, he emphasized the importance of their journey towards decentralization. The new fault-proof system developed by OP Labs aligns with this goal, as it is designed to eventually enable secure bridging without any central fallback.
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The fault-proof system consists of three main components: a fault-proof program (FPP), a fault-proof virtual machine (FPVM), and a “dispute game protocol.” These components can be implemented separately, allowing each network to customize and build its own fault-proof system. This modular approach creates more diversity within the Optimism Superchain and enhances the security and resiliency of the ecosystem as a whole. For example, a network could choose to use zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs) as a type of fraud-proof, which is not typically used in Optimistic rollups.
OP Labs has been actively working towards building an interconnected web of blockchain networks known as the “Superchain.” To achieve this, they developed the OP Stack, which is a set of software tools that enable the creation of custom blockchain networks. Avail network, for instance, has created “OpEVM” software that serves the same purpose but uses Avail as the base layer instead of Ethereum. Other examples of Superchain competitors include Polygon’s ZK Supernets and the zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine Hyperchain.
By launching the testnet version of its fault-proof system, OP Labs is making significant progress towards its goal of decentralization within the Optimism network. This development not only improves the security and trustworthiness of the platform but also paves the way for future innovations and customizations within the Optimism Superchain. With the ability to implement different components of the fault-proof system separately, each network can tailor its own fraud-proof mechanisms, thereby strengthening the overall resilience of the network.
In conclusion, the launch of the testnet version of the fault-proof system by OP Labs is a noteworthy step towards achieving decentralization and enhancing the security of the Optimism network. The modular design of the system allows for customization and diversity within the Optimism Superchain, empowering each network to create its own fault-proof system. This development not only addresses the current limitations of centralized sequencers but also opens up opportunities for further innovation and collaboration within the Optimism ecosystem.
