Puffer UniFi: A New Rollup Solution Based on Restaking

Rollup technology aims to enhance the transaction processing capability of blockchain while maintaining low fees. It processes a large number of transactions off-chain and then submits the results to the mainnet for verification, thereby reducing the burden on the mainnet. Rollups are mainly divided into two types: Optimistic and ZK, each using different verification mechanisms.

Based Rollup is an emerging Rollup solution aimed at addressing the issues caused by centralized sequencers. It shifts the responsibility of transaction ordering from L2 to L1, utilizing Ethereum validation nodes as block proposers. This design avoids the need to rebuild consensus while enhancing security. However, Based Rollup also faces performance limitations as it relies on the block time of the Ethereum mainnet.

Puffer UniFi has proposed an optimized solution for Based Rollup, introducing a "pre-confirmation" mechanism to address performance issues. Under this mechanism, Ethereum validators commit to Rollup transactions before block packaging and face penalties for failing to fulfill their commitments. This design ensures both the efficiency of transaction confirmation and maintains the characteristics of decentralization.

To implement the pre-confirmation mechanism, Puffer proposed UniFi AVS. This is a solution based on EigenLayer, utilizing Ethereum Restaking technology. Validators participating in EigenLayer re-staking can provide pre-confirmation services and set corresponding penalty mechanisms in AVS. This scheme provides a feasible implementation path for Based Rollup.

An important feature of UniFi is synchronous composability, which helps to address the issue of liquidity fragmentation. Due to UniFi's decentralized ordering based on L1, different Rollups can interact within the same block without the need for cross-chain bridges. This provides users with a smoother experience and reduces the operational complexity between different chains.

In the long run, decentralized sorting and liquidity integration are inevitable trends in the development of blockchain. Based Rollup can be seen as the "loyal guards" of Ethereum, directly scheduled by Ethereum and adhering to a fair system. In contrast, mainstream Optimistic Rollup resembles "feudal lords," having more autonomy but potentially bringing additional coordination costs.

Both of these solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, reflecting different trade-offs in the blockchain ecosystem regarding decentralization, efficiency, and benefit distribution. In the future, they may coexist and develop to meet the needs of different application scenarios. Continuous technological advancements and developers' innovative ideas will continue to drive the evolution and improvement of the blockchain ecosystem.