Vitalik Buterin, Co-Founder of Ethereum, which recently migrated to the Proof of Stake (PoS) model, is already thinking about Layer-3, sharing what he believes could be the future of blockchain scaling.

Buterin on Layer 3

The base layer of a blockchain network, such as Ethereum, Cardano, or Solana, is referred to as “Layer-1”, while “Layer-2” solutions are built on Layer-1 blockchains to provide better scalability for the base layer. 

Buterin believes that a Layer-3 solution would only make sense if used for purposes other than scaling. For this reason, Layer-3 solutions should not consist of stacked rollups, as it would lead to inefficient data compression.

Buterin Shares His Vision for Layer-3 Solutions

In a blog post titled “What kind of layer 3s make sense?” Buterin explained that Layer-3 solutions could be implemented in privacy-focused chains by utilizing zk proofs to submit private transactions to Layer-2.

According to Buterin, Layer-3 solutions can also be built around non-EVM platforms, using customized scaling solutions for specific applications or validiums (which are another kind of roll-up).

Buterin’s comments on potential Layer-3 use cases come as StarkWare’s newly produced, recursive validity proofs appear to have put an end to Ethereum’s scalability concerns.

On the Flipside

• Vitalik Buterin also argues that decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) shouldn’t resemble corporations.

Why You Should Care

Since Layer-2 solutions on theperform efficient cross-border transactions on their respective networks, Layer-3 formats may not actively improve efficiency.