In a recent development that could significantly impact the blockchain landscape, Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, has made a striking assertion about the relationship between Solana (SOL) and Ethereum (ETH). In a post on the social media platform X, Yakovenko stated that Solana is, in effect, Ethereum, pointing towards a future where the two blockchain networks might operate in interoperability despite their distinct protocols and consensus mechanisms.
Yakovenko proposes Solana as Ethereum layer-2
Yakovenko elaborated on Solana acting as a Layer-2 network for Ethereum through what he termed the “wormhole eigenlayer.” This approach suggests the potential for seamless integration between the two networks, overcoming the challenges posed by their differing protocols.
The Solana co-founder’s vision is predicated on the upcoming Ethereum upgrade known as “danksharding,” which is expected to enhance Ethereum’s scalability and efficiency significantly. According to Yakovenko, integrating SOL as a Layer-2 solution on Ethereum will become increasingly feasible once danksharding is fully operational. This allows SOL blocks to be incorporated into a specialized bridge contract on the Ethereum network.
This development marks a shift in the narrative around Solana, often labeled the “Ethereum killer.” Instead, Yakovenko’s comments suggest a move towards collaboration rather than competition between the two blockchain giants. He previously disapproved of the competitive label, emphasizing a vision where Solana and Ethereum could thrive simultaneously.
Addressing technical challenges and consensus mechanism differences
The concept of interoperability between SOL and Ethereum raises several technical and consensus-related questions. One significant issue users highlight is the difference in consensus mechanisms between the two networks. In response to concerns about what would occur to SOL in its role as a Layer-2 solution if Ethereum were to undergo reorganization, Yakovenko assured that users would still be able to retrieve their ETH tokens from the bridge. He noted that whether SOL would reorganize with Ethereum would depend on social consensus, not predefined in the bridge contract.
Furthermore, Yakovenko addressed the potential for double-spending issues, stating that SOL would not mint wrapped ETH tokens in its state until Ethereum achieves full finality. He also mentioned the possibility of implementing a user-activated soft fork (UASF) to mitigate such risks.
The co-founder’s remarks also touched upon the capacity differences between the two networks. He noted that Ethereum could become a Layer-2 solution for SOL, given Solana’s superior capacity to accommodate Ethereum’s blocks. This statement underscores the evolving dynamics of blockchain interoperability, where the focus is shifting from competition to collaboration and mutual enhancement.
