A modular blockchain splits up the usual jobs of a blockchain into different layers. Rather than one chain handling everything, each layer does a specific job, such as running smart contracts, ordering transactions, or storing data. This setup lets teams adjust each part for better speed, lower costs, or stronger security.
Early blockchains managed execution, consensus, data storage, and settlement all together. As more users joined, fees went up and performance slowed down. Dividing these jobs into layers was a way to handle more transactions while keeping security and decentralization strong.
Modular blockchains break down four main functions: execution, consensus, data availability, and settlement. Each function can run on its own chain or layer, so changes in one area do not affect the others. This setup also lets teams combine solutions from different projects.
This layer handles transactions and smart contracts. It takes user inputs and figures out how the system should change. Since execution is separate, projects can choose faster or cheaper engines without affecting the layers that handle security or data storage.
The consensus layer puts transactions in order and makes sure they are final. Its main job is to ensure everyone agrees on the same record. Keeping this part separate makes the network’s rules simpler and easier to manage.
Data availability makes sure transaction data is published and easy for anyone to check. This allows execution layers to prove their work without every node having to store all the details. Specialized data layers can use different ways to share and compress data efficiently.
The settlement layer keeps track of final results and provides a trusted place to settle disputes. Usually, this layer is a well-known base chain that other layers depend on for security. Sharing a common settlement layer helps build trust between layers.
Dividing work into layers makes the system more flexible. Teams can improve one layer without changing the others. This can lower user costs, speed up transactions, and let developers choose the best tools for each job. Modular systems also make it easier to add new scaling tools like rollups.
A modular setup means more parts need to work together. Users and apps might have to trust several layers, and making secure links between them takes careful planning. Running many specialized layers can also be more complex than using a single chain.
Some projects work on data availability, others on execution, and some on consensus. Well-known names include Celestia and Polygon Avail for data availability, and rollup solutions like Optimism, Arbitrum, StarkEx, and zkSync for execution and scaling. These examples show how modular parts can be combined to handle more traffic without changing the main security setup.
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