Anatoly Yakovenko challenges the need for layer-2 solutions in blockchain scalability, emphasizing Solana’s layer-1 advantages - IcoHolder. 2/2

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, has sparked a debate over the need for layer-2 solutions in blockchain scalability. In a recent response to an X post by rip.eth, who argued that layer-2s offer superior speed, security, and cost efficiency without the complexity of new consensus mechanisms, Yakovenko pushed back, suggesting that a well-optimized layer-1 could meet the speed, cost, and security demands of modern blockchain networks.

Yakovenko specifically challenged the belief that layer-2 solutions are the optimal scaling approach. He pointed out that while layer-2s often improve scalability, they can introduce security risks through mechanisms like fraud proofs and multisigs, and often rely on slow-moving data availability layers. According to Yakovenko, these issues make layer-2s less attractive than a robustly optimized layer-1 like Solana.

The argument comes amidst growing discussions around blockchain scalability, particularly with projects like Eclipse—an Ethereum layer-2 that utilizes the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to scale. Despite this, Yakovenko remains firm in his belief that Solana’s layer-1 architecture, designed for high throughput, can address scalability challenges more effectively than layering additional protocols on top.

The Solana co-founder also addressed concerns around blockchain data limits, noting that while Solana generates around 80TB of data per year, it is too much for individual storage but not enough to establish a viable business. He further explained that Solana's ledger is distinct from its state, and can be stored using decentralized storage solutions such as Filecoin.

Yakovenko’s stance contrasts sharply with Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin, who champions layer-2s as essential for Ethereum's future scaling. Lubin, speaking at the Digital Asset Summit, reiterated his view that layer-2 rollups are critical for Ethereum's scalability, particularly given the platform's focus on security.

Despite Yakovenko’s doubts about layer-2 solutions, they are already making their debut on Solana. Solaxy, a new scaling project that raised $19 million in February, utilizes off-chain processing before settling transactions on Solana’s mainnet to alleviate congestion. This move highlights the growing demand for scaling solutions as decentralized finance (DeFi) and memecoins continue to expand on the Solana network, sometimes causing network strain and outages.

While upcoming upgrades like Firedancer are expected to enhance Solana’s throughput to one million transactions per second, congestion remains a challenge. Many developers believe that, despite Yakovenko’s arguments, layer-2 solutions will continue to play a critical role in ensuring the long-term scalability of the network.