OP Mainnet tests 'fault proofs' in bid to strengthen network security

OP Labs, the core developer of Optimism, released fault proofs on the OP Sepolia testnet before their upcoming implementation on the OP Mainnet .

“Open-source, feature-complete fault proofs are live on OP Sepolia. With permissionless validation, anyone can participate in the system without an allowlist,” the firm stated.

Fault proofs serve as security mechanism for Ethereum Layer 2 networks, enabling users to contest transactions that may be fraudulent or incorrect. They are critical in ensuring that off-chain transaction processing remains free from manipulation.

The OP Mainnet currently lacks fault proofs, a cause for concern regarding the network’s security and decentralization. This means that on the network, users must trust that the block producers submit correct Layer 1 state roots. Furthermore, the network relies on a security council of members for backups, which could become a central point of failure.

Now, the project is also moving toward implementing them, having already used them on its Sepolia testnet.

OP Mainnet uses scaling solution called optimistic rollups for its operation. This technology aggregates Ethereum transactions on a secondary off-chain layer and allows for cheaper transaction processing to address scalability concerns on Ethereum.

OP Labs, the developer of OP Mainnet, also operates a development software stack known as the OP Stack, which enables developers to launch their own Layer 2 blockchains. Crypto exchange giant Coinbase developed its blockchain, called Base , using the OP Stack.

Most optimistic rollup blockchains have yet to decentralize their networks with the help of incorporating fault proofs and maintaining decentralized contract upgrades. That said, OP Mainnet’s closest competitor, Arbitrum , already offers fault proofs.