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Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana Labs, has introduced a new model to address the issues of fragmentation and lack of interoperability in the blockchain ecosystem. He proposed the concept of a “meta blockchain” designed to collect and organize data from leading layer-1 (L1) blockchain platforms such as Ethereum, Solana, and Celestia. This solution aims to improve cross-chain communication and data sharing, which have been significant challenges for Web3 developers.
Yakovenko explained that the meta blockchain would enable the use of the most cost-effective data availability (DA) solutions. DA layers are third-party systems that provide the necessary data for the blockchain network to validate transactions. His goal is to simplify cross-chain communication and lower the costs of blockchain transactions by creating a unified platform for data from multiple blockchains. “Affordable data availability makes everything else more affordable,” he stated. Additionally, he emphasized that “bandwidth is the irreducible bottleneck.”
Interoperability continues to be a significant barrier against the widespread implementation of blockchain technology. Siloed layer-1 blockchains of modernity lack ease of communication, thus limiting the capabilities of decentralised applications (dApps) and Web3. Lacking a resolution to such fragmentation, developers must use detailed bridging mechanisms to facilitate cross-chain communication, leading to unnecessary costs and inefficiencies.
This problem can be overcome by the proposed meta blockchain, which allows for the gathering and grouping data from the different blockchains in one structure. This would enable improved interaction between Ethereum, Solana and other chains, building an ecosystem where data could move freely between the chains. Using the most efficient DA solutions, Yakovenko’s idea can also minimise the general cost of transactions and make decentralised networks scalable.
Although Yakovenko has offered an innovative approach to solving the blockchain fragmentation problem, other blockchain networks are still working on improving data availability systems. The next Fusaka upgrade of Ethereum, which will take place around the end of 2025, will expand its mainnet as a DA layer with EIP-7594. This upgrade is likely to expand Ethereum's capacity for handling data efficiently.
Furthermore, Yakovenko noted that more sophisticated solutions could eliminate external sequencers by using a rule-based system to combine transactions between chains. This would allow users to send transactions to any chain, thus increasing the interoperability of decentralised systems. Yakovenko's proposal is an initialisation of addressing one of the most significant problems present in blockchain technology. Over time, solutions like the meta blockchain may become crucial to scaling, cost reduction, and blockchain interoperability.
