Advantages of the Use-Case Optimised Model
Last updated
Last updated
In stark contrast, the use-case optimised model embraced by Glue offers a superior approach by tailoring Layer 2 solutions to the specific needs of different application types. This is distinctly different from the app chain model. App chains optimise (and often limit) each chain for a single App. Glue optimises L2s for overarching use cases that cover a multitude of apps that have similar needs. This specialisation allows each L2 to be finely tuned for optimal performance for a specific use case, addressing the unique demands of applications such as finance, gaming, and asset transfers. By customising consensus mechanisms, transaction processing, minimum fees, block times and data storage for each use case, Glue ensures that each chain and the applications built on it operate at peak efficiency. The tailored approach of the use-case optimised model provides several key advantages:
Enhanced Performance: Each L2 solution is designed to meet the specific performance requirements of its intended application. For instance, a financial application requires fast finality and high uptime, while a gaming L2 needs minimal transaction fees. Layer 2s can easily be parameterised and optimised to meet those criteria, but only if they are not generic. The specialisation allows each dApp to select the optimal Layer 2 for the best user experience.
Scalability: The modular design of use-case optimised L2s allows for independent scaling of each layer. This means that changes to one L2 do not necessitate changes to others, thereby avoiding the systemic bottlenecks and inefficiencies associated with upgrading monolithic models. As a result, Glue can efficiently manage a high volume of transactions across diverse applications without compromising performance.
Total scalability can be illustrated as the following:
The total scalability of the system is the sum of the scalability of all the available use-case optimised L2s as the L1 does not host dApps.
Which in turn is equal to:
By summing the contributions from all π L2 solutions, it is clearly demonstrated how the overall system's scalability benefits from the modular and independent nature of each use-case optimised L2 layer, ensuring efficient and tailored performance across diverse applications.
One of the pivotal reasons behind selecting the Substrate framework and implementing a use-case optimised model is our recognition of a critical challenge in the blockchain space: the difficulty of iterating on monolithic blockchains. Traditional monolithic architectures, such as Ethereum, face significant hurdles in implementing new technologies and features due to the extreme risks to the existing ecosystem from every upgrade. These blockchains require extensive quality assurance cycles and consensus among a wide array of stakeholders to implement new technology, leading to protracted development timelines and delayed deployment of advancements. The inherent complexity of upgrading a monolithic blockchain means that any change can have far-reaching implications, necessitating rigorous testing and broad agreement among participants, which significantly slows down the innovation process. Glue's implementation model, however, is designed to overcome these obstacles.
Substrate's superior runtime upgrade functionality allows for upgrades of both the L1 and L2s without the extensive delays of consensus building and cajoling validators seen in Ethereum. The runtime upgradability of Substrate, facilitated by WebAssembly (Wasm), allows for forkless protocol upgrades, bug fixes, and feature enhancements through token holder voting, execution of which is programmatically guaranteed. This capability ensures that changes can be implemented without requiring a fork, which maintains network continuity and reduces the risk associated with upgrades. The iterative development process allows for continuous improvement, where feedback from users and developers can be rapidly incorporated into subsequent updates, fostering a more responsive and user-centric ecosystem.
Glueβs use-case optimised model allows for the launch of new L2s without risking disruption to existing decentralised applications. Because Layer 1 provides the underlying security, Glue can introduce significant technological advancements through new L2s tailored for specific purposes, such as zero-knowledge (ZK) L2s, Solana Virtual Machine L2s, or other specialised environments, without impacting the stability or performance of current dApps. This approach provides unparalleled flexibility and agility, enabling rapid innovation and continuous improvement.
For instance, if a new ZK L2 were to be developed, it could be deployed as a new L2 without affecting the ongoing operations of existing financial or gaming applications running on existing L2s and due to Glueβs structure, without fracturing liquidity as the ZK L2 would be natively integrated with the Finance L2.
This segmentation significantly reduces the need for exhaustive quality assurance cycles that monolithic blockchains must endure. By isolating changes to specific L2s, there is room to experiment with and deploy cutting-edge technologies while maintaining the integrity and performance of the broader ecosystem. The ability to test and deploy new features in a controlled environment ensures that potential issues are identified and resolved more swiftly, thereby accelerating the overall pace of innovation.
Furthermore, the ability to deploy rapid and targeted updates ensures that Glue remains at the forefront of technological advancements. As the blockchain landscape evolves, Glue can quickly adapt and integrate cutting-edge developments, maintaining its competitive edge. This agility not only enhances our capacity to meet the dynamic needs of users and developers but also positions Glue as a leader in innovation within the blockchain industry.
