🔗 Sidechains vs L2: Security Trade-offs
Compare independent chains vs rollups inheriting Ethereum security
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0 / 5 completed🌉 Sidechains vs Layer 2: Two Paths to Scale
Both sidechains and Layer 2 solutions aim to solve Ethereum's scalability problem, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Understanding the distinction is crucial for choosing the right scaling solution.
🎯 The Fundamental Question
Where does security come from? This single question defines the entire difference between sidechains and Layer 2 solutions.
Own security model, independent validators, separate consensus mechanism
Inherits Ethereum security, posts proofs to L1, backed by mainnet validators
🎮 Interactive Comparison Tool
Select a scaling approach below to explore its characteristics, security model, and real-world examples.
🔍 What You'll Learn
Security Models
How sidechains and L2s protect your assets differently - independent consensus vs Ethereum-backed security
Bridge Mechanisms
How assets move between chains - trust-based bridges vs cryptographic proofs
Trust Assumptions
What you're trusting when using each approach - validators vs mathematics
When to Use Each
Real-world scenarios and trade-offs for choosing sidechains vs L2 solutions
💡 Why This Matters
The choice between sidechains and Layer 2 isn't just technical—it affects:
How safe are your assets if validators misbehave?
Different security models lead to different fee structures
How long to get assets back to Ethereum?
Who controls the network and your funds?