Comparing Base, Mantle and Linea

Introduction

Layer 2 solutions are currently seen as the future of blockchain by tackling scalability and efficiency issues. Built on foundational blockchains , they amplify their strengths without sacrificing security. There are few Layer 2 solutions:

• State Channels allow off-chain transactions between parties, enhancing scalability. Only the end result of these transactions gets recorded on the main chain, lightening the network's load.
• Sidechains, while linked to a main chain, function as independent blockchains. They facilitate asset transfers between blockchains, boosting interoperability. However, their security is distinct from the main chain.
• Optimistic Rollups, tailored for Ethereum, facilitate off-chain smart contract execution. They work on the premise that transactions are valid, undergoing a verification phase before main chain finalization, which streamlines scalability and cuts down fees.
• Zero-Knowledge Rollups (ZK-rollups) utilize Zero Knowledge Proofs to batch-verify transactions without disclosing transaction details, enhancing both scalability and privacy.

Among all these Layer 2 blockchain Base, Linea, and Mantle Network are the new players in this field. In previous articles, we have researched Base, Linea, and Mantle. Now, we will compare them. This article delves into these networks, comparing their features, integrations, and market standing, providing a thorough guide for those keen on the blockchain's next big strid

Comparing the layer 2 solutions

Base (website) is a Layer 2 blockchain network developed on Ethereum. Base is constructed on the Optimism Stack in collaboration with Optimism and is incubated at Coinbase. Its primary objective is to serve as a gateway for users into the crypto realm. This is achieved through its seamless integration with Coinbase products, facilitating easy fiat onramps and robust acquisition tools. Moreover, Base is designed to foster the secure development of multichain applications, complemented by user-friendly bridges.

On the other hand, Linea (website), crafted by Consensys, is another Layer 2 blockchain that stands out due to its use of quantum-resistant lattice-based cryptography. This technology enables the creation of zero-knowledge proofs for each transaction, which are subsequently rolled up to the Ethereum Mainnet. Linea's features include its cost-effective and swift blockchain transactions, thanks to its zero-knowledge technology. It's also EVM-compatible and has a seamless integration with the MetaMask wallet and the broader ConsenSys infrastructure. Additionally,

Lastly, the Mantle Network (website) is an optimistic rollup. It boasts a modular design, granting developers the flexibility to select the components that best fit their dApps. Unique to Mantle is its consensus mechanism termed Proof of Transfer (PoT). BitDAO's strong backing of the Mantle Network is evident, as it funnels resources to initiatives aimed at ecosystem adoption, with the Mantle Network being a recipient of this support. The Mantle EcoFund, a $200M capital pool, further fuels the network's growth by investing in top-tier Mantle applications and technology partners.

In comparing the three, all networks are geared towards delivering scalable solutions atop Ethereum. Base and Linea utilize established technologies like OP Stack and zk-rollups, while Mantle is an optimistic rollup and introduces the novel PoT consensus mechanism. Integration-wise, Base benefits from its close ties with Coinbase, Linea from its native integration with MetaMask and ConsenSys, and Mantle with BitDAO. Each network, be it Base, Linea, or Mantle, offers unique Layer 2 solutions for Ethereum.

A Technical Deep Dive

Mantle Network is designed specifically for scaling Ethereum, its focus on EVM compatibility ensures that Ethereum-based contracts and tools can transition to Mantle with minimal tweaks. At its heart, Mantle's strength lies in its modular architecture, which combines an optimistic rollup with a state-of-the-art data availability solution. This design ensures Ethereum-level security while providing more affordable data access. Mantle's approach to transaction processing is also noteworthy. It uses validator nodes to condense transactions into blocks on Ethereum, reducing gas fees and boosting transaction speed. Moreover, its modular data availability solution, powered by EigenLayer's EigenDA, pushes transaction throughput beyond traditional L2s without compromising security.

Base, on the other hand, is fueled by the OP Stack, a technology that also powers Optimism. As an open-source solution, the OP Stack aims to scale Ethereum by promoting a cohesive web3 ecosystem. Base's standout feature is its ability to handle a surge in data-heavy transactions, such as contract deployments. This was evident during the Base Builder Quests campaign, where a spike in contract deployments on the Base testnet was efficiently managed. Base's operational mechanism involves batching L2 blocks and writing them to L1. To enhance scalability, especially during data-intensive transaction surges, Base introduced improved compression and the capability to submit multiple batcher transactions per L1 block.

Linea sets its sights on being a decentralized, zk rollup. Its architecture comprises the Sequencer, Prover, and Bridge Relayer. The Coordinator in Linea acts as an information conduit between Ethereum and Linea, ensuring smooth data transfer. The Sequencer is central to Linea's operation, responsible for transaction sequencing, block construction, and execution. Linea's current execution client, zkGeth, is tailored for zk-proving technology. However, the upcoming zkBesu promises to leverage the full potential of the Consensys stack. The Traces Generator, a part of Linea's sequencer, produces data vital for the prover to create ZK proofs. This architecture ensures that Linea remains efficient and ready for future enhancements.

In comparison, while all three blockchains aim to scale Ethereum, their technical stacks differ. Mantle Network emphasizes modularity and EVM compatibility, Base focuses on handling data-intensive transactions efficiently, and Linea prioritizes decentralization and zero-knowledge proofs. Each offers unique solutions, and their choice would depend on specific requirements and preferences.

Traction

In the competitive landscape of Layer 2 blockchain solutions, Mantle Network, Base, and Linea have each made strides, showcasing varying degrees of traction and user engagement.

Mantle Network is now gone live with its mainnet. With over 8,000 active users and around 92 applications deployed, it's evident that there's a growing interest in what Mantle offers. Having over $35 million in TVL and over 9,000 deposit transactions, These figures show that Mantle has not been able to garner as much traction as they had hopoed for.

Base, incubated by Coinbase, is backed by a seasoned team of developers and entrepreneurs from the company. The influence of Coinbase founders, Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam, is palpable in Base's trajectory. Since its launch in late July, Base has seen over $180 million in total value locked. With over 100,000 unique users, Base's traction as a Layer 2 solution for Ethereum is largely due to the unique app on base called friend tech.

Linea, having been live on mainnet for a few months, has secured over $18 million in Total Value Locked (TVL). Interestingly, Linea hasn't introduced a native token, and there's no hint of future plans in this direction. Tokens often drive traction for projects, which might explain why Linea, despite having over $45 million bridged hasn't seen the same level of engagement as Base. The absence of unique applications on Linea further underscores this point.

Final Thoughts

In this space, Base, Linea, and Mantle Network stand out as the new Layer 2 solutions. Base, nurtured by Coinbase and built on the Optimism Stack, positions itself as a user gateway into the crypto universe. Its close association with Coinbase ensures a smooth integration experience. Linea, a brainchild of Consensys, is distinguished by its use of quantum-resistant lattice-based cryptography and has seamless integration with both MetaMask and the wider ConsenSys ecosystem. Meanwhile, Mantle Network introduces a modular design, highlighted by its unique Proof of Transfer (PoT) consensus mechanism.

Diving deeper into their technical attributes, Mantle Network prioritizes modularity and cost-effectiveness. It's tailored for Ethereum scaling, merging an optimistic rollup approach with an advanced data availability solution. Base, energized by the OP Stack, excels in managing data-intensive transactions, particularly evident during spikes in contract deployments. In contrast, Linea emphasizes decentralization and the power of zero-knowledge proofs, ensuring it remains efficient and future-ready.

There are gonna be many more blockchains released in the coming months, we will be comparing them for the next few years. In the current situation the clear winner seems to be Base. Even though Base doesnt have their own native token they have a unique application on Base. Mantle and Linea do not have a unique application that is driving traction, the both of them are just re using the old applications on Ethereum. Till an actual bull run starts or unless they get a unique application Linea and Mantle will remain behind Base.