Ethereum name service shows the “Namechain” layer-2 network plans

TLDR

ENS Labs is launching “Namechain,” its own layer-2 blockchain using zero-knowledge rolls, with an expected end date of 2025 that will reduce transactions from the current zkEVM infrastructure (pending final selection) as part of a larger ENSv2 protocol upgrade aimed at reducing backward compatibility. Costs when securing Ethereum

ENS Labs, the company behind the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), has announced plans to launch its own Layer-2 blockchain, Namechain.

In the year The new network, which is scheduled to go live around the end of 2025, will use zero-knowledge packet technology to improve speed and reduce costs for users of the popular domain name service.

The announcement was made in a press release on Monday, and ENS Labs outlined its strategy to increase operations while maintaining security.

Catherine Wu, Chief Operating Officer of ENS Labs, confirmed that the team is in the final stages of selecting a suitable chain for the current Zero Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM).

ENS currently serves as the blockchain equivalent of a traditional domain name service, converting complex crypto wallet addresses into human-readable names.

For example, users can use simple addresses like “name.eth” for their transactions instead of using a long string of numbers and letters.

The move to create Namechain represents part of a larger initiative known as ENSv2, which involves a complete overhaul of the ENS protocol.

Wu emphasized that the transition will be seamless for consumers, with the main benefit being reduced gas fees for transactions.

Namechain's technical implementation encapsulates the information published on the chain through zero-knowledge scrolls.

This technology allows for off-chain operation while maintaining the security benefits of the original Ethereum network, resulting in lower transaction costs for users.

One of the key challenges the team faces is ensuring backward compatibility with the current system (ENSv1). Except for reduced transaction costs, users should not notice any difference in the front-end experience when Namechain launches, Wu explained.

The development team has prioritized maintaining the security of the system while enhancing functionality. Zero Knowledge Packet technology allows Namechain to conduct transactions away from the main Ethereum network, while still benefiting from Ethereum's security features.

Nick Johnson, co-founder and lead developer of ENS Labs, expressed excitement about the project's impact on scale and cost reduction. The team believes these improvements will enable new applications in the ENS ecosystem.

The announcement follows similar steps by other major crypto projects to develop their own layer-2 solutions. Recent months have seen announcements from Uniswap, Kraken, and Sony's Blockchain Lab about plans to launch blockchain networks.

However, unlike these projects that use Optim's OP Stack technology, ENS Labs chose to implement zero-knowledge abstractions for their advanced scale. This technical decision reflects different approaches to achieving the same measurement goals.

The current ENS system allows users to create simple addresses for their crypto wallets. For example, Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin uses the address “Vitalik.eth” instead of his full wallet address (0xd8dA6BF26964aF9D7eEd9e03E53415D37aA96045).

The implementation process began to take shape in May when ENS Labs proposed to convert its registration system to a Layer-2 solution. At that time, the special technical approach was not completed.

Wu indicated that the team is working through the technical requirements to ensure a smooth transition between the current system and Namechain. While improving performance, the focus is on maintaining functionality.

The project timeline suggests a launch target around the end of 2025, with the team currently finalizing their zkEVM infrastructure partner selection. The selection of this partner represents one of the last major decisions before full development begins.

According to an ENS Labs press release, the new system provides improved processing capabilities and reduced costs for domain service users while maintaining all current functionality.