Discussing Data Availability Solutions and Related Projects

Data availability ( DA ) is one of the main challenges faced by Layer 2, mainly involving the trade-off between security and cost. Currently, there are two main DA solutions: on-chain and off-chain.

On-Chain Solutions: Proto-Danksharding

Proto-Danksharding(EIP-4844) is a solution for Ethereum to reduce data availability costs. It introduces a new Blob transaction format that allows L2 to store transaction data on Ethereum temporarily at a lower cost. This makes Ethereum a real-time bulletin board, where L2 needs to store data backups on their own. Proto-Danksharding is expected to be launched in the Ethereum upgrade at the end of this year.

Off-chain Solutions

Off-chain solutions no longer use Ethereum as the DA layer, but seek more economical data availability methods. Mainly includes:

1. Validium: Data is managed by a centralized operator, transaction privacy is protected but the risks are relatively high.

2. Data Availability Committee ( DAC ): Composed of multiple trusted nodes, can publicly disclose data in case of operator issues. Lower cost but still has security risks.

3. Volition: Hybrid mode allows users to choose whether to put single transaction data on the chain, balancing flexibility and security.

4. General-purpose DA solution: not limited to the Ethereum ecosystem, can provide services for multiple chains. Improve security through its own validation nodes, consensus mechanisms, etc.

Main DA Layer Projects

1. StarkEx: Provides scaling solutions for specific applications, supporting multiple DA modes.

2. zkPorter: An independent off-chain DA solution proposed by the zkSync team, maintaining security through PoS consensus.

3. EigenDA: Developed based on EigenLayer, it gains security through ETH re-staking.

4. Celestia: A general-purpose DA public chain with an independent consensus mechanism and relatively high security.

5. Avail: Originally part of the Polygon project, now an independently operated DA public chain.

Future Outlook

As the Ethereum Cancun upgrade approaches, off-chain DA projects will face greater competitive pressure. They need to further enhance their competitiveness beyond just reducing costs. For users, the DA layer may see high-value projects similar to Optimism and Arbitrum, which are worth keeping an eye on.