Decentralized Sequencers

Definition ∞ Decentralized sequencers are distributed entities responsible for ordering and batching transactions in certain blockchain scaling solutions. These sequencers play a critical role in rollups, collecting transactions off-chain and then submitting them as a single, compressed data batch to the main blockchain. By operating in a decentralized manner, they aim to prevent censorship and reduce the risk of single points of failure, thereby enhancing the integrity and availability of the scaling solution. Their function is crucial for improving transaction throughput and reducing costs on layer-2 networks.
Context ∞ The development of decentralized sequencers is a key area of innovation for layer-2 scaling solutions, particularly in the Ethereum ecosystem. The current discussion focuses on designing robust and fair sequencing mechanisms that resist malicious manipulation and ensure equitable transaction ordering. Achieving true decentralization for sequencers is a significant technical challenge with implications for censorship resistance and network performance.