Layer 2 Scaling Solutions: Complete Guide to Rollups

Ethereum processes about 15-30 transactions per second. Layer 2 (L2) solutions scale this to thousands of TPS while inheriting Ethereum's security. This guide explains how L2s work and which to use.

The Scaling Problem

Ethereum's Bottleneck

• ~15-30 transactions per second
• During high demand, fees spike to $50-100+ per transaction
• Makes DeFi inaccessible for smaller users
• Limits mainstream adoption

The Solution: Layer 2

L2s process transactions off-chain but post data to Ethereum:

• 100-1000x more transactions
• 10-100x lower fees
• Ethereum-grade security
• Same developer tools

Types of Layer 2s

Rollups

Bundle transactions and post compressed data to Ethereum:

Type

Security Model

Finality

EVM Compatibility

Optimistic	Fraud proofs	~7 days	High
ZK	Validity proofs	Minutes	Varies

Optimistic Rollups

How they work:

Transactions processed off-chain

Batch posted to Ethereum

Assumed valid (optimistic)

7-day challenge period for disputes

Anyone can submit fraud proof if invalid

Pros:

• EVM equivalent (easy to port dApps)
• Mature technology
• Lower computational overhead

Cons:

• 7-day withdrawal period
• Fraud proof gas costs

ZK Rollups

How they work:

Transactions processed off-chain

Zero-knowledge proof generated

Proof + data posted to Ethereum

Proof mathematically verifies validity

Instant finality once verified

Pros:

• Fast finality
• No challenge period
• Mathematical security guarantees

Cons:

• Complex proof generation
• Higher computational costs
• Varying EVM compatibility

Major L2s Compared

Arbitrum

Overview:

• Largest L2 by TVL (~$10B+)
• Optimistic rollup
• Nitro technology stack

Ecosystem:

• GMX (perpetuals)
• Radiant Capital (lending)
• Camelot (DEX)
• Pendle (yield)

Specs:

Metric

Value

TPS	~40,000
Avg Fee	$0.10-0.50
Withdrawal	7 days
Token	ARB

Optimism

Overview:

• Second-largest optimistic rollup
• OP Stack powers multiple chains
• Strong focus on governance

Ecosystem:

• Velodrome (DEX)
• Synthetix (derivatives)
• Aave (lending)

OP Stack Chains:

• Base (Coinbase)
• Zora (NFTs)
• Mode (DeFi)
• Worldcoin

Specs:

Metric

Value

TPS	~4,000
Avg Fee	$0.10-0.50
Withdrawal	7 days
Token	OP

Base

Overview:

• Built by Coinbase
• Uses OP Stack
• No native token (uses ETH)

Ecosystem:

• Aerodrome (DEX)
• Friend.tech (social)
• Growing DeFi

Specs:

Metric

Value

TPS	~4,000
Avg Fee	$0.05-0.20
Withdrawal	7 days
Token	None (ETH)

zkSync Era

Overview:

• ZK rollup by Matter Labs
• Growing ecosystem
• Native account abstraction

Ecosystem:

• SyncSwap (DEX)
• Maverick (DEX)
• Growing DeFi

Specs:

Metric

Value

TPS	~100+
Avg Fee	$0.10-0.30
Finality	Minutes
Token	ZK

StarkNet

Overview:

• ZK rollup using STARK proofs
• Cairo programming language
• Different EVM approach

Ecosystem:

• AVNU (aggregator)
• Ekubo (DEX)
• Growing

Specs:

Metric

Value

TPS	~100+
Avg Fee	$0.10-0.30
Finality	Minutes
Token	STRK

Polygon zkEVM

Overview:

• ZK rollup from Polygon
• Type 2 EVM equivalent
• Part of Polygon ecosystem

Specs:

Metric

Value

TPS	~100+
Avg Fee	$0.05-0.20
Finality	Minutes
Token	POL

How to Use Layer 2s

Bridging Assets

Native Bridge (Most Secure):

Visit official bridge (bridge.arbitrum.io)

Connect wallet

Select asset and amount

Approve and bridge

Wait for confirmation

Third-Party Bridges (Faster):

• Across Protocol
• Stargate
• Hop Protocol
• Synapse

Fast Withdrawals: Skip 7-day wait using:

• CEX deposits (Coinbase, Kraken accept L2 directly)
• Third-party bridges
• Liquidity providers

Setting Up Your Wallet

Add L2 Network to MetaMask:

Network

Chain ID

RPC

Arbitrum	42161	https://arb1.arbitrum.io/rpc
Optimism	10	https://mainnet.optimism.io
Base	8453	https://mainnet.base.org
zkSync	324	https://mainnet.era.zksync.io

Or use Chainlist.org to add with one click.

Choosing the Right L2

Decision Matrix

Use Case

Recommended L2

Why

DeFi trading	Arbitrum	Deepest liquidity
Low fees	Base	Lowest average fees
DEX aggregation	Arbitrum/OP	Most protocols
NFTs	Base/Zora	Strong NFT focus
Building dApps	Arbitrum	Most mature
Privacy focus	zkSync	ZK technology

By Experience Level

Beginners:

• Start with Base (Coinbase onramp)
• Or Arbitrum (most activity)

Intermediate:

• Multi-chain approach
• Bridge based on opportunities

Advanced:

• ZK rollups for cutting edge
• Airdrop farming across L2s

L2 Fees Compared

Sample Transaction Costs (2026)

Transaction

Ethereum

Arbitrum

Base

zkSync

ETH transfer	$2-10	$0.10	$0.05	$0.15
Token swap	$10-50	$0.30	$0.15	$0.25
NFT mint	$20-100	$0.50	$0.20	$0.40
LP deposit	$30-150	$0.60	$0.25	$0.50

Fees vary with network congestion

Security Considerations

Rollup Security

Shared Security: L2s inherit Ethereum's security but have additional considerations:

• Sequencer risk: Centralized sequencing (being decentralized)
• Upgrade risk: Contracts can be upgraded
• Bridge risk: Bridges are attack targets

Risk Ratings (L2Beat)

L2

Stage

Meaning

Arbitrum	Stage 1	Training wheels
Optimism	Stage 1	Training wheels
Base	Stage 0	Full training wheels
zkSync	Stage 0	Full training wheels

Check L2Beat.com for current ratings

Best Practices

• Check L2Beat risk assessment
• Start with small amounts
• Diversify across L2s
• Use official bridges when possible
• Monitor protocol updates

Future of L2s

Danksharding (EIP-4844)

• Proto-danksharding live
• 10x cheaper L2 fees
• "Blobs" for rollup data

Decentralized Sequencers

• Shared sequencing
• Based rollups
• Reduces centralization risk

Cross-L2 Interoperability

• Instant bridging
• Unified liquidity
• Chain abstraction

Conclusion

Layer 2s make Ethereum accessible to everyone. Whether you choose Arbitrum for its ecosystem, Base for low fees, or zkSync for cutting-edge tech, you'll enjoy the benefits of Ethereum with a fraction of the cost.

Follow L2 developments on Free Crypto News.