The discourse surrounding the role of Layer-3 (L3) networks in scaling Ethereum has intensified after Polygon CEO Marc Boiron expressed reservations about their necessity. In an X post, Boiron argued that L3s primarily function to siphon value away from the Ethereum mainnet and concentrate it within the L2 networks they reside on.
L3s operate on top of Layer-2 (L2) solutions aiming to provide further scalability and application-specific functionalities. In his post, Boiron emphasized that scaling Ethereum can be achieved without L3s highlighting Polygon Labs’ focus on L2 development.
Boiron expressed concerns about the potential impact of L3s on Ethereum’s security. He argued that if all L3 activity settled on a single L2, Ethereum’s value capture would diminish, jeopardizing its economic sustainability and ultimately network security. Without sufficient transaction fees, validators securing the network might lose confidence which will potentially lead to a decline in security.
However, Boiron’s views were not universally accepted. Peter Haymond, a community member involved in building Ethereum scaling solutions countered that L3s offer distinct advantages without necessarily diminishing Ethereum’s value. Haymond pointed to potential benefits such as lower costs for native bridging and on-chain proofs along with custom gas tokens and specialized functionalities.
The exchange on social media highlighted the ongoing debate regarding the role of L3s within the Ethereum ecosystem. While some, like Boiron, express concerns about their potential negative impact, others emphasize the potential benefits they bring in terms of scalability and specialized features.
Meanwhile, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin’s earlier remarks on L3 networks have resurfaced, adding complexity to the debate. Buterin had previously stated that L3s would serve a distinct purpose from L2s emphasizing the importance of providing customized functionality within the blockchain’s architecture.
Buterin noted that stacking two layers with similar designs on top of one another presents a number of difficulties. For instance, data availability restrictions and reliance on Layer-1 bandwidth for urgent withdrawals can make it difficult to stack two layers.
