ENS to Launch Namechain, Its Own Layer-2 Blockchain

• ENS Labs, the organization behind the Ethereum Name Service, is moving forward with plans to establish a dedicated layer-2 network named "Namechain."

• This new network is expected to be a zero-knowledge rollup and is anticipated to launch by the end of 2025.

• ENS Labs' COO, Katherine Wu, shared insights with CoinDesk, stating that Namechain will utilize zero-knowledge rollups, a technology designed to enhance blockchain transaction speeds and minimize execution costs by reducing on-chain data.

• According to ENS Labs, “This technology enables Namechain to handle transactions off the main Ethereum network while maintaining Ethereum's security at significantly lower costs.”

• The upcoming network will utilize the infrastructure of an existing zero-knowledge chain that is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, with the team currently finalizing their choice of zkEVM.

• The ENS serves as blockchain's equivalent to the web's domain name system, making crypto wallet addresses more user-friendly, similar to how domain names like Amazon.com are easier to remember than numerical IP addresses.

• In May, ENS Labs proposed a significant overhaul to the project’s registry system, aiming to transition to a layer-2 model. At that time, they had not yet confirmed the adoption of the ZK rollup model.

• The ENSv2 overhaul will involve a complete redesign of the ENS protocol along with its expansion onto layer-2, ensuring backward compatibility with the current ENSv1 setup from launch day.

• Wu emphasized that users should not notice any changes in their experience with Namechain, aside from reduced gas fees.

• The move to develop ENSv2 aligns with recent announcements from other major cryptocurrency firms launching their own layer-2 projects. Unlike Namechain, these projects have opted for layer-2 Optimism’s technology.

• ENS Labs' co-founder and lead developer, Nick Johnson, expressed enthusiasm about Namechain, highlighting its potential to enhance scalability and cost-efficiency, as well as to enable new applications.

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