With the announcement of the Layer 2 testnet for BNB chain scalability which will be powered by Optimism, BNB chain users seem to be bullish about it because, if successful, BNB chain security and Scalability will be improved. However, there are still some investors who believe that opBNB may not have been the perfect scaling solution to go for.
First, why does the BNB chain need to be scaled?
Despite the low transaction fee on the BNB chain, Scaling the BNB chain is one way to improve the performance of the network. With over 4700 Decentralized Applications on the BNB Chain, transactions have not always been swift because of the high transaction volume from these Dapps and other projects built on the Network. This is why scaling the BNB chain is a good move that will make things better for users, existing projects, and new projects.
Why Optimism?
I can't answer this question with certainty but I believe it has to do with the scaling approach of Optimism. Optimism scaling solution uses Optimistic Rollups to scale transactions by automatically assuming the transaction data, which is processed off the root chain, is valid until proven otherwise. This makes it scalable and able to process 4,000 transfer transactions per second as against the current BNB chain of 2000 transactions per second.
Again, being an Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible layer-2 chain, it will fit well with the BNB chain and also add extra security for the Blockchain while enhancing its performance.
The current testnet will be an avenue to test out things before going mainnet. However, Optimism launched in 2019 and its scaling solution hasn't been used in any major Blockchain before ( at least to the best of my knowledge ). So, it may likely take time before we see it in the BNB chain. Layer 2 scaling solution has shown to be a continuous fix. Check most of the projects using layer 2 scaling solutions and you will discover that they are still undergoing upgrades to enhance security and scalability.
The problem with layer-2 scaling solutions is the fact that they can compromise security while trying to scale the network. BNB chain is in the top three of the most used chain, meaning, scaling it might not be easy and if not scaled in a way that security is not compromised, there might be consequences.
I think while opBNB is in testnet, the BNB chain should consider other options. Joining Optimism as a Superchain as advised by Adam Cochran makes more sense to me. BNB is too big to use the Layer-2 scaling solution, opBNB.
What's your thought on this? Do you think opBNB is the right call? What other scaling solution would you suggest and why?