Depth | How does NEAR differ from the Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem?

The NEAR protocol, as a Layer 1 public chain, has consistently pursued scalability and interoperability. Recently, the NEAR ecosystem has launched multiple Layer 2 solutions aimed at enhancing network performance and expanding application scenarios.

This article will compare the Layer 2 ecosystems of NEAR and Ethereum, exploring their similarities and differences.

NEAR's Layer 2 ecosystem

The Layer2 ecosystem of NEAR mainly includes three projects: Aurora, Calimero, and Kroma.

1. Aurora: EVM-compatible Layer 2 based on NEAR, supporting seamless migration of Ethereum dApps.

2. Calimero: A privacy-focused Layer 2 solution for enterprise-level applications.

3. Kroma: A Layer2 network based on zkWASM, supporting multiple programming languages.

These Layer 2 solutions each have their own focus, collectively building NEAR's multi-layer scaling ecosystem.

Ethereum's Layer 2 ecosystem

In comparison, the Layer2 ecosystem of Ethereum is richer and more mature:

1. Optimistic Rollups: such as Optimism, Arbitrum, etc.

2. ZK Rollups: such as zkSync, StarkNet, etc.

3. Validium: such as Immutable X.

4. Plasma: such as OMG Network.

Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions are more diverse and have a wider range of applications.

The similarities and differences between NEAR and the Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem

Similarities:

1. Both are committed to improving network throughput and reducing transaction costs.
2. Both use Rollup technology as the main scaling solution.
3. All support cross-chain interoperability.

Differences:

1. Technical Route: NEAR mainly adopts sharding technology, while Ethereum relies more on Layer 2.
2. Ecosystem Maturity: The Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem is more mature and diverse.
3. Application Scenarios: NEAR's Layer 2 focuses more on specific areas, such as enterprise applications and privacy protection.
4. Development Difficulty: The development threshold for NEAR is relatively low and supports multiple programming languages.

Conclusion

NEAR and Ethereum are both actively exploring Layer2 scaling solutions to address the challenges of blockchain scalability. Although Ethereum's Layer2 ecosystem is more mature, NEAR's unique advantages cannot be overlooked. In the future, both are expected to achieve breakthroughs in their respective technological paths, further promoting the development of blockchain technology.