Blockchain projects often face significant scaling challenges that hinder widespread adoption. Rollups have emerged as a promising solution to address these limitations, although they still require improvements in security and decentralization. AltLayer presents an innovative approach to these problems through advanced technologies like restaked rollups, enhancing both security and transaction finality speeds. This guide explores AltLayer’s core concepts, functionality, and its transformative potential for blockchain technology.
What Is AltLayer?
AltLayer is a decentralized rollup-as-a-service (RaaS) platform that introduces a novel implementation called Restaked Rollups. By integrating with leading rollup stacks like OP Stack, Arbitrum Orbit, ZKStack, and Polygon CDK, it significantly improves security, decentralization, interoperability, and transaction finality.
The platform offers an intuitive, no-code dashboard that allows developers to deploy high-performance Layer 2 rollup solutions quickly. It functions both as a temporary scaling layer for Optimistic Rollups and is compatible with various Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Arbitrum, and Optimism. Designed with cross-chain and cross-virtual machine interoperability in mind, AltLayer provides a modular and adaptable scaling framework for all EVM and WASM-compatible blockchains.
History of AltLayer
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Yaoqi Jia—former head of Parity Asia and co-founder/CTO of Zilliqa—AltLayer is headquartered in Singapore. Its team brings extensive experience from leading firms like Parity, Zilliqa, and Synthetix.
The project gained substantial industry backing, raising $7.2 million in a seed funding round led by prominent investors such as Polygon Capital, Breyer Capital, and Jump Crypto. It has also formed strategic partnerships with OKX Ventures, HashKey Capital, TRGC, Primitive, and Bodhi Ventures.
How Does AltLayer Work?
AltLayer operates as a Rollups-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform, enabling users to customize and deploy their own rollups within minutes, even without coding knowledge. It supports both EVM and WASM environments, addressing compatibility challenges for dApps operating across multiple chains.
The platform adopts a modular architecture, meaning it consists of interchangeable components such as:
- A runtime module for executing transactions
- A data availability module for storing transaction data
- A settlement module for ensuring finality
This modularity allows users to select their preferred execution environment (EVM or Wasm), data availability layer (e.g., Ethereum, Celestia), and settlement layer (e.g., Arbitrum, Ethereum). AltLayer's rollups are highly flexible and can scale dynamically based on demand.
Unlike conventional rollups where only designated validators can submit fraud proofs, AltLayer allows any node to report potentially fraudulent transactions. This open approach reduces centralization risks and enhances security.
Another innovative concept introduced by AltLayer is ephemeral rollups—application-specific rollups that can be quickly spun up for temporary use and later finalized on Layer 1. These are especially useful for short-term high-demand events like NFT mints or token launches. The platform supports both ephemeral and persistent rollups under its RaaS offering.
Key Features of AltLayer
AltLayer incorporates several groundbreaking features that set it apart from traditional rollup solutions:
Restaked Rollups
Restaked Rollups combine the benefits of established rollup stacks (like OP Stack and Arbitrum Orbit) with enhanced security and decentralization via EigenLayer’s restaking mechanism. This model includes three core services:
- VITAL: Offers decentralized verification of rollup states.
- MACH: Ensures rapid transaction confirmation.
- SQUAD: Provides decentralized transaction sequencing.
Together, these services create a robust and trust-minimized environment for rollup operations.
Rollups-as-a-Service (RaaS)
Built on the restaked rollups infrastructure, RaaS allows developers to launch customized rollups through a no-code interface. This significantly simplifies the development and deployment process, offering a flexible and powerful solution for projects with specific scaling needs.
The AltLayer Ecosystem
AltLayer supports a wide range of applications across DeFi, gaming, bridges, oracles, and execution sequencing. Notable projects within its ecosystem include:
Injective
Injective is a decentralized exchange protocol that combines the security of a Proof-of-Stake blockchain with the efficiency of a centralized order book. Its hybrid architecture allows for high-throughput, low-cost transactions ideal for complex financial applications.
OP Mainnet
OP Mainnet is an Ethereum Layer 2 solution built for developers seeking scalability without compromising security. Designed as a minimal extension to existing Ethereum software, it allows dApps to scale seamlessly while maintaining a user-friendly experience.
EigenLayer
EigenLayer introduces restaking, enabling users to leverage staked ETH to secure other protocols beyond Ethereum. Participants earn additional rewards while contributing to the cryptoeconomic safety of various applications.
Celer Network
Celer facilitates seamless cross-chain interactions for tokens and NFTs. Its products include:
- Celer IM: A cross-chain messaging tool that enables dApps to operate across multiple blockchains.
- Celer cBridge: A decentralized bridge supporting asset transfers across 40+ blockchains and Layer 2 networks, having processed over $14 billion in transactions.
Peti
Peti is a cross-chain liquidity protocol designed to reduce slippage for large-volume trades. By providing instant liquidity across chains, it enables smooth transactions for traders and market makers.
FlashGPT for Developers
FlashGPT is an AI-powered assistant built on OpenAI’s GPT model, tailored for blockchain developers. It can generate Solidity smart contracts and deploy them on networks like AltLayer, Arbitrum, and Ethereum. Additionally, it helps users customize and deploy AltLayer rollups.
Launched during the ETHGlobal hackathon "Scaling Ethereum 2023," FlashGPT received awards from Polygon and Scroll and has been well-received by the developer community.
WebIDE for Smart Contracts
AltLayer’s WebIDE offers a user-friendly environment for deploying and interacting with smart contracts on Flash Layer. It includes a contract builder and editor, allowing developers to create and modify contracts easily.
To use the IDE, users can:
- Navigate to the "IDE" tab in the launchpad.
- Connect their Web3 wallet (e.g., MetaMask) to the Flash Layer network.
- Select, deploy, and confirm contracts directly through the interface.
What Is the ALT Token?
ALT is the native utility token of the AltLayer ecosystem, launched in January 2024. It serves several functions:
- Governance: Holders can participate in key decision-making processes.
- Staking: Users can stake ALT to secure the network and earn rewards.
- Restaking: ALT can be restaked via EigenLayer for additional yields.
- Transaction Fees: ALT is used for payments within the platform.
The token distribution includes:
- Binance Launchpool: 5%
- Team: 15%
- Investors: 18.5%
- Advisors: 5%
- Protocol Development: 20%
- Ecosystem & Community: 15%
- Treasury: 21.5%
ALT has a total supply of 10 billion tokens, with 1.1 billion currently in circulation.
Recent Developments
On February 27, 2024, AltLayer announced a partnership with Optimism Superchain. As a RaaS provider, AltLayer will simplify the process for dApp developers to deploy custom rollups on Superchain—a scalable network of OP Stack-based rollups with shared security and communication layers.
Is ALT a Good Investment?
AltLayer offers a innovative approach to rollup technology with its restaking mechanism and modular design. It addresses critical challenges in scalability, security, and interoperability. However, the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and investors should conduct thorough research and consult financial advisors before making investment decisions. 👉 Explore advanced investment strategies
How to Acquire ALT Tokens
ALT is available on both centralized and decentralized exchanges. Popular trading pairs include ALT/USDT and ALT/TRY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of AltLayer?
AltLayer aims to provide scalable, secure, and decentralized rollup solutions for blockchain applications. Its Restaked Rollups enhance interoperability and reduce transaction costs while maintaining high security.
How does AltLayer improve rollup security?
By integrating with EigenLayer’s restaking mechanism, AltLayer allows for decentralized validation and fraud proof submission. This reduces reliance on centralized validators and strengthens network security.
Can I use AltLayer without coding experience?
Yes. AltLayer’s RaaS platform offers a no-code interface for deploying custom rollups, making it accessible to developers and project teams with varying technical backgrounds.
What networks are compatible with AltLayer?
AltLayer supports EVM and WASM-compatible blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, Arbitrum, Optimism, and others.
What is the difference between ephemeral and persistent rollups?
Ephemeral rollups are temporary, application-specific rollups used for short-term needs, while persistent rollups are long-term solutions for ongoing operations.
Where can I stake ALT tokens?
ALT can be staked directly within the AltLayer ecosystem or restaked via EigenLayer to earn additional rewards.