What is Ethereum layer 2 scaling?

Layer 2 is a term used for solutions created to help scale an application by processing transactions off of the Ethereum Mainnet (layer 1) while still maintaining the same security measures and decentralization as the mainnet . Layer 2 solutions increase throughput (transaction speed) and reduce gas fees.

An independent blockchain acting in concert with Bitcoin or Ethereum , which retroactively became known as a “Layer 1 chain” or “main chain.” Layer 2 chains process new transactions faster while reducing the load on Layer 1 and typically taking much lower fees.

If you’ve used Ethereum at any point in 2021, you know it’s slow and expensive. Layer 2 scaling solutions are the answer to making Ethereum usable . Whereas an Ethereum transaction might take 10 minutes and a painful amount of ETH for gas fees, L2 transactions happen instantly with nearly-free fees.