ENS Labs to Launch Namechain Layer-2 Blockchain Using Zero-Knowledge Rollups by 2025

The company behind the Ethereum Name Service, or ENS, is gearing up to launch its own layer-2 blockchain called Namechain. This new network is expected to go live by the end of 2025.

According to Katherine Wu, the COO of ENS Labs, Namechain will use a technology known as zero-knowledge rollups. This tech helps speed up blockchain transactions and cuts down on costs by compressing data.

ENS Labs explains that this approach allows Namechain to handle transactions off the main Ethereum network. It still benefits from Ethereum's security but does so at a much lower cost.

The new network will build on an existing zero-knowledge chain that works well with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. Wu mentioned that the team is close to deciding which zkEVM to use.

ENS serves as the blockchain equivalent of web domain names. Just like how Amazon.com is easier to remember than a series of numbers, ENS names are more user-friendly than crypto wallet addresses. For instance, Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin uses the handle Vitalik.eth, which is much simpler than his long wallet address.

Back in May, ENS Labs proposed a major update to its registry system, planning to transition to a layer-2 solution. At that time, they hadn’t fully committed to the zero-knowledge rollup model yet.

This upgrade, called ENSv2, will completely redesign the ENS protocol and extend it onto the new layer-2 network.

Wu pointed out that a key challenge will be ensuring backward compatibility with the current ENS setup on the Ethereum mainnet. She stated that users shouldn’t notice any differences in their experience when Namechain launches, aside from lower gas fees.

The decision to move forward with ENSv2 comes as other major crypto firms announce their own layer-2 projects. Recently, teams from Uniswap, Kraken, and Sony’s Blockchain Labs have shared plans for their own networks. However, these projects are opting for a different technology called Optimism’s OP Stack, which allows developers to create custom blockchains.

Nick Johnson, co-founder and lead developer of ENS Labs, expressed excitement about Namechain. He believes it will significantly improve scalability and cost, opening the door for new applications.