Layer 2 scaling solutions: How will zk rollups change Ethereum?

ZKsync represents an innovative approach to scaling Ethereum blockchain by utilizing advanced zk rollup technology to dramatically increase transaction throughput while reducing operational costs. As a layer 2 solution, ZKsync processes transactions off the main Ethereum chain and then aggregates them into a single cryptographic proof, which is sent back to the main network for verification. This architecture enables fast and cost-effective transactions without compromising security.

Currently, ZKsync ranks seventh among Ethereum layer 2 networks and second in size among zk rollup implementations, with a total value locked (TVL) of over $760 million. The network has already handled over 400 million transactions involving seven million unique addresses.

Technical Foundations: How zk rollup architecture works

To understand ZKsync’s advantage, it’s essential to grasp how zk rollups operate. This scaling method relies on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs)—a cryptographic solution that allows one party to prove to another that they possess certain information without revealing the information itself.

In the context of blockchain, zero-knowledge proofs verify the validity of transactions mathematically without needing access to their details. The prover presents a series of mathematical proofs that the verifier can check without viewing the actual data, maintaining confidentiality while confirming authenticity.

Two-layer architecture: On-chain and off-chain components

ZKsync combines two complementary processing systems:

Off-chain layer handles most computations. Sequencers batch large numbers of transactions, process them in virtual machines, and prepare them for further processing. This architecture significantly reduces the load on the main Ethereum network.

On-chain layer contains smart contracts responsible for storing rollup data, tracking user deposits, and verifying cryptographic proofs. These contracts ensure integrity by recording key information on the Ethereum blockchain.

Transaction lifecycle in zk rollup system

The processing in ZKsync is divided into three stages:

Stage 1 – Aggregation: Large volumes of transactions are grouped into a single batch off-chain. This reduces network congestion and cuts processing costs both in time and money.

Stage 2 – Proof generation: For each batch, systems generate a concise zero-knowledge proof confirming the validity of all transactions without revealing their details. This proof can be quickly verified by a smart contract.

Stage 3 – On-chain finalization: The proof is submitted to the Ethereum mainnet. The smart contract verifies its correctness, and the entire batch of transactions is finalized and recorded on the blockchain.

Practical benefits: Why zk rollups are game-changing

Implementing zk rollup technology via ZKsync offers tangible benefits for users and the blockchain ecosystem.

Unprecedented throughput

ZKsync achieves up to 100,000 transactions per second, representing a multiple-fold increase over the main Ethereum chain. This scalability allows DeFi applications, payment platforms, and trading protocols to handle much larger volumes without performance degradation.

Drastically reduced transaction fees

By shifting processing off-chain, ZKsync reduces network congestion. Users experience transaction fees as low as $0.01, while maintaining the same security level as the main chain. This makes blockchain practical for microtransactions and daily operations.

Robust security foundations

The system employs advanced cryptographic proofs (zk-SNARKs) to guarantee the validity of each transaction. This mechanism ensures data and asset protection without relying on validator teams.

Compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine

EVM compatibility allows developers to migrate existing applications from Ethereum mainnet to ZKsync with minimal code changes. This flexibility accelerates deployment and increases the number of available applications.

Innovative user experience

Gasless transactions enable paying fees with any token instead of requiring ETH. This makes blockchain more accessible to new users and simplifies interactions.

ZK airdrop campaign: Take control of the protocol’s future

In June 2024, ZKsync announced one of the largest token distribution campaigns in the Ethereum layer 2 ecosystem. The ZK token is a governance tool for managing the ecosystem and participating in its evolution.

Qualification criteria: Who could receive tokens?

A snapshot taken on March 24, 2024, identified 695,232 wallets eligible for distribution. Criteria included activity on ZKsync mainnet, interactions with ecosystem apps, liquidity provision, and swap transactions.

Token distribution was strategically divided:

• 89 percent allocated to active users based on engagement
• 11 percent allocated to ecosystem contributors supporting development, promotion, and education

Each qualifying wallet could receive between 450 and 100,000 ZK tokens depending on participation intensity.

How to claim your tokens

Step 1 – Verify eligibility: Visit the ZKsync Claim tool and connect your Ethereum wallet (e.g., MetaMask) or provide your GitHub username.

Step 2 – Check allocation: If eligible, you will see the exact number of ZK tokens assigned to your wallet.

Step 3 – Claim tokens: Follow on-screen instructions. Tokens are available for immediate use with no lock-up or vesting period.

Claim window: Tokens could be claimed from June 16, 2024, to January 3, 2025.

Maximize benefits from current and future distributions

• Delegate tokens: Participate in governance by delegating ZK to a representative. This may increase chances for future airdrops.
• Stay engaged: Continue active use of ZKsync ecosystem through transactions, liquidity provision, and exploring apps.
• Monitor updates: Follow ZKsync and ZK Nation social channels for news.

Practical guide: Moving assets to ZKsync

To leverage ZKsync’s scaling benefits, assets must first be transferred from Ethereum mainnet to layer 2.

Step-by-step via Portal Bridge

1. Access the portal: Visit the ZKsync bridge site and connect your wallet (MetaMask or compatible EVM wallet).

2. Select assets and amount: Choose which assets to transfer and specify the amount.

3. Review: Confirm transaction details, including estimated gas fee and confirmation time.

4. Confirm: Approve the operation in your wallet and wait for on-chain confirmation.

Tips for successful bridging

• Use trusted platforms: Always use the official ZKsync portal to minimize security risks.
• Verify token support: Ensure the token you transfer is supported by ZKsync.
• Understand fee structure: Be aware of gas fees on both layers.
• Double-check addresses: Always verify token addresses to prevent irreversible loss.
• Track confirmations: Monitor transaction progress to ensure success.

Comparison: ZKsync vs. other layer 2 solutions

zk rollups vs. optimistic rollups

Zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-Rollups) vs. Optimistic rollups represent two complementary scaling strategies, each with advantages.

ZKsync and other zk rollup implementations verify transactions via cryptographic proofs that are immediately confirmed on the main chain. This provides fast finality—withdrawals can be processed within hours. Security is mathematically guaranteed without relying on active network observers.

However, these advanced cryptographic computations require significant computational resources, specialized hardware, and deep technical expertise, making implementation more costly and complex.

In contrast, optimistic rollups (like Base, Blast) assume transactions are valid by default and rely on fraud proofs to challenge invalid ones. Initial processing is faster, but finality involves a challenge period of up to seven days. This architecture is easier to deploy but has a larger attack surface due to censorship risks.

Choosing between these technologies depends on project priorities: security and quick finality (zk rollups) vs. ease of deployment (optimistic rollups).

ZKsync compared to other zk rollups

StarkNet uses a different approach—ZK-STARKs—which do not require trusted setup and are resistant to quantum threats. This potentially offers higher long-term security but requires developers to learn a new programming language, Cairo.

Polygon zkEVM emphasizes maximum EVM equivalence, easing migration of existing apps but offering lower throughput than ZKsync.

ZKsync strikes a balance between performance and compatibility, providing 100,000 TPS while supporting existing EVM-based code. This makes it practical for most use cases.

Challenges and barriers to adoption

Realizing ZKsync’s full potential involves understanding current limitations:

Technical complexity: Advanced cryptographic mechanisms pose a barrier for less experienced developers. The shortage of zero-knowledge cryptography talent slows ecosystem growth.

Liquidity fragmentation: Moving assets across different layer 2 solutions fragments liquidity, reducing instrument availability and price stability.

Early-stage development: Despite promising prospects, ZKsync remains relatively new infrastructure. Security issues may emerge during scaling.

Compilation steps: Although compatible with EVM, ZKsync requires intermediate compilation via LLVM, adding complexity compared to fully native systems.

Future outlook: The role of zk rollups in Ethereum’s evolution

As Ethereum continues to evolve—especially through planned upgrades like Ethereum 2.0—zk rollup technology will play an increasingly critical role.

Synergy between Ethereum sharding and zk rollups will create a multi-layered architecture capable of handling billions of transactions daily. This collaboration will underpin a global, decentralized financial system.

ZKsync and similar solutions will be key to democratizing blockchain access—enabling micro-payments, smart contracts for all, and new business models that are currently economically unfeasible on the main chain.

Summary

ZKsync embodies innovation in blockchain scaling, combining advanced zk rollup technology with practical usability. By processing transactions off-chain and aggregating them into cryptographic proofs, ZKsync achieves throughput of up to 100,000 transactions per second at fees as low as $0.01.

The ZK token (current price: $0.02, all-time high: $0.37) symbolizes a shift toward decentralized management of blockchain infrastructure. Whether participating in token distribution, asset migration, or exploring DeFi apps, ZKsync offers a secure and cost-effective platform.

As blockchain moves from experimental phases to practical deployment, zk rollup technology will define a new era of scalability, security, and financial service accessibility for billions worldwide.