Briefing
The core problem of zk-rollups is that the high computational cost of proof generation centralizes power in a few nodes, creating a vulnerability to MEV and compromising data availability. This research introduces a new Layer 2 architecture that decouples the resource-intensive tasks by implementing node role separation between transaction proposers and proof builders, significantly lowering the hardware barrier for participation. The breakthrough is secured by a novel “proof of luck” scheme and “hidden state” technique which collectively enforce data download and prevent collusion, fundamentally ensuring that the scalability benefits of rollups are achieved without sacrificing the foundational security and decentralization principles of the base layer.
Context
Prior to this work, the scalability solution offered by zk-rollups introduced a systemic centralizing force, as the immense computational requirements for generating zk-SNARKs restricted participation to a small set of well-resourced entities. This hardware-based barrier directly undermined the goal of decentralization, leading to a concentration of L2 block production power which created a new vector for censorship and Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) extraction by colluding operators.
Analysis
The paper’s core mechanism is a multi-layered separation of concerns, moving beyond a monolithic L2 node structure. The system divides the L2 process into distinct roles ∞ Proposers select transactions, and Builders generate the aggregated compressed transactions and their corresponding zk-SNARK proofs. This separation reduces the hardware requirements for the Proposer role, democratizing participation.
To ensure integrity, a “proof of luck” scheme is introduced as a mechanism to select Proposers in a verifiably random, un-gameable way, while a “period separation” technique prevents collusion between the two roles. Furthermore, a “hidden state” technique is used as a cryptographic proof of download, guaranteeing that all nodes can access the historical transaction data necessary for data availability.
Parameters
- Current Throughput (TPS) ∞ Up to 2000 TPS, which zk-rollups can currently achieve.
- Core Problem ∞ High hardware demands for zk-SNARK proof generation.
- Primary Solution ∞ Role separation for Layer 2 nodes.
- Security Primitive ∞ “Proof of luck” scheme, designed to resist MEV attacks.
Outlook
The immediate research trajectory involves formalizing the game-theoretic security of the “proof of luck” mechanism against increasingly sophisticated adversarial strategies. In the next three to five years, this architectural blueprint is expected to be adopted as the standard for decentralized Layer 2 systems, enabling a new generation of high-throughput applications that are also provably resistant to front-running and censorship. This work opens a new avenue for mechanism design focused on economically securing decentralized computation without reliance on prohibitive hardware requirements.
Verdict
This work provides a foundational architectural model that successfully reconciles the scalability of zk-rollups with the non-negotiable principles of decentralization and MEV resistance.
