In our previous article, “Complete Overview of Zero Knowledge and ZK-rollup Tech for Blockchain,” we delved into the fundamentals of ZK technology and its potential to transform blockchain networks. Now, we will explore the various types of ZK-rollups, an innovative system that presents blockchains with a secure and accessible solution for transaction facilitation.
ZK-rollup serves as a scaling protocol on layer-2, empowering existing blockchain platforms with enhanced security and efficiency for processing transactions. Prominent blockchains such as Polygon, Loopring, and Minna have embraced ZK-rollups as an alternative to traditional chains, leveraging their improved scalability.
Categorizing ZK-rollups into different types depends on the proof system type, the computation time, the data availability solution, data storage, and several other features. Here are four ZK-rollups to check out
zkSync
zkSync is an EMV-compatible scaling solution developed by Matter Labs. The protocol introduces its Layer-2 in early 2023 to provide Ethereum with an account-based, compatible, innovative ZK tech.
zkSync provides cryptocurrency transactions between layer-1 blockchain and layer-2 with trustless, decentralized systems that facilitate verification of on-chain transactions using the PLONK proof system. It is also dedicated to a more democratic and decentralized storage system using IPFS
StarkWare
The StarkWare is another type of ZK-rollup for fast and seamless cryptocurrency transaction and data verification featuring both on-chain and off-chain components. StarkWare adopts the popular proof system, zk-STARKS, to verify on-chain transactions while using Validium to provide accessibility to off-chain data.
StarkWare introduces a layer-2 protocol called StarkNet, a more efficient rollup deployed on Ethereum with over 7 million daily transactions. The layer-2 protocol boasts of cheap and superior computation prowess that captures gaming and other blockchain-based uses.
Aztec
Aztec is the Second ZK-rollup on our list. Like StarkWare, Aztec uses the popular proof of system, zk-STARKS, to verify on-chain transactions. Furthermore, it is a more efficient ZK-rollup that enables both private and public execution in a single rollup system. The protocol can achieve more secure and auditable on-chain and off-chain transactions.
It designed with superior compatibility; hence, it is highly recommended for private-public transactions. For instance, private voting on public DAOs and private users in the public GameFi project of P2E (play-to-earn).
zkPass
zkPass is the last ZK-Rollup in our list. zkPass is a composable identity protocol leveraging zero-knowledge attestation from Web2 & Web3 Based on multi-party computation and zero knowledge proof technology to empower programmable privacy and social relationships for decentralized sociality with ZK.
zkPass features-
The protocol offers a range of impressive features, starting with its commitment to privacy preservation. With zkPass, individuals have full control over their personal data, allowing them to determine who can access it.
Furthermore, zkPass boasts exceptional compatibility, as it seamlessly integrates with 99.9% of Web2 and Web3 data sources, all without requiring any licenses. The system also prioritizes verifiability through decentralization, reusability, and peer-to-peer attestation, ensuring the reliability and trustworthiness of shared credentials.
Lastly, zkPass incorporates robust anti-cheating measures, ensuring that credential holders are unable to tamper with their personal data, further enhancing data integrity and security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the adoption of ZK-rollup technology is rapidly gaining momentum in the blockchain industry, offering promising solutions for scalability and transaction efficiency. We have explored four prominent types of ZK-rollups: zkSync, StarkWare, Aztec, and zkPass, each with its unique features and advantages.
These protocols leverage different proof systems, data availability solutions, and computation methods to enhance the security and accessibility of blockchain networks. With their ability to process millions of transactions per day and provide privacy-preserving features, ZK-rollups are paving the way for a more scalable and user-friendly blockchain ecosystem.
As the technology continues to evolve, it holds great potential to revolutionize the way transactions are conducted and bring blockchain applications closer to mass adoption.
