Comprehensive Analysis of Data Availability Solutions: On-chain vs Off-chain Who Will Prevail

Overview of DA Solutions

Data availability (DA) issues are a significant challenge faced by Layer 2, mainly involving a trade-off between security and cost. To address this problem, the industry has proposed both on-chain and off-chain solutions.

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

On-chain Solution: Proto-Danksharding

Proto-Danksharding (EIP-4844) is a solution for Ethereum to reduce the cost of data availability. It introduces a new transaction format called Blob, allowing L2 to perform non-permanent data storage on the Ethereum consensus layer at a lower cost. This makes Ethereum a real-time bulletin board, where data will be deleted after a certain period, and L2 must store data backups on their own. Proto-Danksharding is expected to be implemented in Ethereum's Cancun upgrade at the end of this year.

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

Off-chain Solutions

Off-chain solutions no longer rely on Ethereum as the DA layer, but seek more economical data availability methods. Depending on the level of decentralization and security, they can be divided into four categories:

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

1. Validium

Validium is a highly centralized DA solution managed by centralized operators who handle off-chain transaction data. While it offers excellent privacy protection and low costs, the risks are higher, as operator failures or malfeasance may result in users' funds being unrecoverable.

2. Data Availability Committee (DAC)

DAC is similar to a consortium blockchain, composed of multiple trusted nodes that store copies of transaction data and make it public when necessary. Although the operating costs are relatively low, small DACs still have security risks.

3. Volition

Volition is a hybrid model that allows users to choose whether to publish the data of a single transaction on-chain or off-chain. This flexibility enables it to partially inherit the security of Ethereum.

4. General DA Solution

These solutions serve not only Ethereum L2 but also support other chains and projects. They typically have independent validation nodes, block producers, and consensus mechanisms, aiming to provide security close to that of public chains.

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

Introduction to DA Layer Projects

StarkEx

StarkEx is a scaling solution framework developed by the StarkWare team, providing three data availability modes: on-chain, Validium, and Volition. Several well-known projects such as dYdX v3 and Immutable have adopted StarkEx's DA solutions.

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

zkPorter

zkPorter is an off-chain DA solution proposed by Matter Labs, designed as an independent chain that maintains security through a PoS consensus mechanism. It allows zkSync token holders to stake and become validators, but specific development progress has not yet been disclosed.

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

EigenDA

EigenDA is developed based on EigenLayer and operates as middleware rather than an independent public chain. It gains security through the restaking model of Ethereum validators on EigenLayer and is the first Active Validation Service (AVS) on EigenLayer.

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

Celestia

Celestia is a general-purpose DA public chain with independent verification nodes and a PoS consensus mechanism. Although the costs are higher, its security is significantly better than other off-chain solutions. Celestia recently announced a token airdrop plan, sparking industry attention on modular blockchains and DA layers.

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

Avail

Avail was originally a Polygon project and is now an independently operated DA public chain. Its technology is relatively complex, and the mainnet is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2024. Currently, it is in the second phase of the testnet, providing various participation methods for developers and users.

Modular New Era: Data Availability Solutions and Project Review

Future Outlook

With the implementation of EIP-4844 on Ethereum, off-chain DA solutions may face direct competition. In addition to focusing on low costs, these projects also need to seek new competitive advantages. For users, the development of the DA layer may bring new opportunities, which are worth continuous attention.

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NftPhilanthropistvip
· 07-08 15:21
actually, this DA thing is kinda genius for mindful scaling... tho traditional L2s won't admit it tbh
Reply0
ForkMongervip
· 07-07 08:44
typical l2 governance vulnerability... smh these naive optimists never learn
Reply0
CryptoWageSlavevip
· 07-07 08:40
When playing with L2, you have to pay attention to the data.
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ZenMinervip
· 07-07 08:35
On-chain or off-chain, each has its own downfall.
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SingleForYearsvip
· 07-07 08:34
Off-chain is a dog, Cancun is the god.
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Anon4461vip
· 07-07 08:22
The cost of DA is too high, right?
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