SVM L2 on Ethereum: Bullish or Bearish SOL? with Neel Somani, Founder, Eclipse
Sep 20, 2023
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Neel Somani, CEO & Co-Founder of Eclipse, discusses the integration of Solana's virtual machine with Ethereum as a Layer 2 solution. They explore the advantages of Solana's parallelized transaction execution and the scalability challenges faced by Ethereum. The podcast also touches on the tradeoff between security and optimization in Ethereum roll-ups, the unique approach of Eclipse combining elements from different blockchains, and the competition among projects. They also discuss the potential impact of Eclipse, the current status of the project, and the features of Ethereum layer Validium with SVM execution.
The introduction of the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to Ethereum as a layer two solution poses interesting questions about the future of the Ethereum-Solana ecosystem.
The Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) offers advantages over Ethereum's EVM in terms of scalability, low-cost transactions, and parallelized execution.
Eclipse, a unique layer 2 solution, combines the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) as its execution layer with Ethereum's data availability layer, providing fast transactions and capturing value flow.
Deep dives
The Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) is coming to Ethereum as a layer two
The main idea discussed in this episode is the introduction of the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to Ethereum as a layer two solution. The SVM is considered superior to Ethereum's EVM due to its multi-threaded execution capabilities, scalability, and additional features. The Eclipse mainnet is the layer two solution that embeds the SVM, and it is described as an entire framework similar to the optimism super chain network. The episode discusses the implications of this development, such as the potential winners and losers in the Ethereum-Solana ecosystem, and the impact on the future of the industry.
The benefits of the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) for execution
The discussion highlights the advantages of the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) over Ethereum's EVM for execution purposes. The SVM's parallelized execution allows for concurrent transaction processing, which improves scalability and enables low-cost transactions. In contrast, Ethereum's single-threaded EVM can lead to congestion and higher fees during times of high transaction volume. The episode emphasizes that the SVM is battle-tested and draws from an existing code base, making it a favorable choice for certain types of applications.
The role of Celestia and other components in the Eclipse layer two
Another key point discussed is the use of Celestia for data availability in the Eclipse layer two solution. Celestia is regarded as a scalable block space provider, optimized for making transactions available. While Ethereum's data availability is currently constrained, Celestia addresses this limitation and offers increased scalability. The episode also touches on the potential implications for other protocols involved, such as Solana, and explores the concept of utilizing a framework like Eclipse for custom layer two deployments.
Eclipse's Unique Position in the Layer 2 Landscape
Eclipse is a layer 2 solution that distinguishes itself by not being a traditional roll-up or an EVM-compatible layer 2. Instead, it operates as an Ethereum layer 2 Validium with the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) as its execution layer. This approach allows Eclipse to leverage the scalability and low fees of Ethereum while providing fast and cheap transactions. Although Eclipse may face initial resistance from the Solana community, its modular and innovative design fills a unique gap in the layer 2 market.
The Economic Implications of Using Eclipse
Eclipse's approach to data availability has implications for value capture and token economics. By utilizing Celestia as its data availability layer, Eclipse captures value flow typically associated with Ethereum. However, instead of relying on Solana for data availability, Eclipse outsources this function to Ethereum. Consequently, Ethereum's Ether remains the primary token for gas and settlement, while Celestia captures value associated with block space. This unique economic model challenges the idea of monolithic layer 1 chains and highlights the importance of innovative modular solutions like Eclipse.
Solana on Ethereum? Solana has a virtual machine called the SVM. Proponents say it’s much better than the Ethereum EVM…multi-threaded execution…now it’s coming to Ethereum in the form of an L2.
Today on the show, we brought on CEO & Co-Founder of Eclipse, Neel Somani. Eclipse is not only a new L2 on the scene, it’s also an L2 framework, kind of like the OP Stack. It’s a superchain contender.
This poses some very interesting questions….who wins? Does this kill Solana?
0:00 Intro 7:10 Motivations For Eclipse 10:50 Why is the SVM Great? 16:00 How Fee Markets Work? 19:20 Ethereum & Eclipse Pairing 20:25 What Kind of L2 is Eclipse? 23:25 Celestia For Data Availability? 25:30 Security Trade-Offs? 27:30 Transactions on Eclipse 28:00 Economics on Data Availability 33:50 RISC Zero & Eclipse 36:10 Modular Thesis 41:00 Eclipses's Superchain? 44:35 Eclipse Today? 45:20 Winners vs. Losers 46:40 Eclipse vs. Solana 49:00 Bad for $SOL? 52:45 Eclipse Team 53:45 Solana as an L2 55:00 Eclipse Token? 55:45 Future Ecosystems 57:05 Naming This New Tech 58:50 Roadmap 1:00:30 Neel's Bio 1:01:50 Closing & Disclaimers