The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has become a fundamental pillar of the Web3 ecosystem, providing human-readable names for wallets, websites, and other resources. ENSv2 represents the next major evolution of this critical infrastructure—aimed at extending its capabilities to Layer 2 networks while enhancing scalability, affordability, and decentralization.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest progress on ENSv2, including research findings, architectural considerations, and upcoming milestones.
Understanding the Vision Behind ENSv2
ENSv2 is not merely a technical upgrade. It is a complete reimagination of the ENS protocol, built upon seven years of operational experience and community feedback. The initiative aims to improve user experience by reducing gas costs, increasing transaction speed, and strengthening decentralization—all while maintaining compatibility with existing .eth names and integrations.
A major focus is extending ENS to Layer 2 solutions. This shift will allow users to register, update, and manage domains with greater efficiency and lower fees, making digital identity more accessible to everyone.
Core Criteria for ENSv2 Layer 2 Expansion
The ENS Labs team has conducted extensive research, engaging with L2 developers, rollup-as-a-service (RaaS) providers, infrastructure teams, and startups. Through community events like the ENS Unconference at EthCC, they identified six essential criteria for selecting the right L2 pathway:
- EVM Compatibility
- CCIP-read Support
- Open Source Infrastructure
- Exit to L1 Capability
- Sequencer Decentralization
- Finality Assurance
These principles serve as a guiding framework throughout the development process.
Three Layer 2 Pathways Under Consideration
After months of analysis, the team has narrowed down the options to three promising pathways. Each offers distinct advantages and challenges:
1. Adoption of a Public ZK Chain
This approach involves integrating with an existing zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup, such as Scroll or Taiko. Another possibility is using an optimistic rollup enhanced with ZK proof capabilities, as demonstrated by Succinct.
- Pros: Lower development effort and maintenance cost
- Cons: Reduced governance independence for the ENS ecosystem
2. Dedicated ZK Chain Instance
Under this model, ENS would deploy its own instance using an established ZK stack, similar to Status’ collaboration with Linea.
- Pros: Greater flexibility with proven technology
- Cons: Requires significant effort to launch and maintain a dedicated L2
3. Custom zkVM for ENS
This most advanced option involves building a specialized zkVM (zero-knowledge virtual machine) optimized for ENS operations, in collaboration with Axiom.
- Pros: Highly efficient operations with lower proving costs and faster finality
- Cons: Major development and migration requirements
👉 Compare Layer 2 solutions for domain management
Why Optimistic Rollups Are Not a Primary Focus
While optimistic rollups like Arbitrum and Base currently lead in L2 adoption, they were intentionally deprioritized in this evaluation due to their extended finality periods. Typical challenge windows of seven days introduce risks of transaction reversals that conflict with the immutability principles outlined in the ENS DAO Constitution.
ZK rollups, by contrast, provide validity proofs within hours, ensuring faster and more secure settlement—a critical requirement for irreversible domain ownership records.
Next Steps in the ENSv2 Journey
The research phase is transitioning into active development. Key upcoming milestones include:
- Benchmarking and Testing: Quantitative evaluation of all three L2 pathways for performance, cost, and scalability
- Technical Refinement: Finalizing the hierarchical registry system and Universal Resolver
- DAO Funding Proposal: Submission of a detailed resource proposal to the ENS DAO
- Community Feedback: Ongoing calls, AMAs, and discussions to incorporate community input
- Final Strategy Recommendation: A conclusive announcement expected in the coming months
The team remains committed to transparency and community involvement throughout this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ENSv2?
ENSv2 is a major upgrade to the Ethereum Name Service that aims to improve scalability, reduce costs, and expand functionality through Layer 2 integration. It is designed to enhance the user experience without disrupting existing .eth names.
Why move to Layer 2?
Layer 2 solutions offer lower transaction fees, faster processing times, and greater scalability than Ethereum mainnet. This shift will make ENS more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.
Will my existing .eth name still work?
Yes. All existing ENS names and integrations will remain fully functional and compatible with ENSv2. The upgrade is backward-compatible and designed to preserve prior investments.
What is finality and why is it important?
Finality refers to the point at which a transaction becomes irreversible. For ENS, rapid finality is essential to prevent reversals of domain ownership and ensure secure, trustworthy registrations.
How can I get involved?
The ENS team encourages community participation through governance forums, Discord channels, and regular community calls. Feedback and proposals are welcome throughout the development process.
When will ENSv2 launch?
A final recommendation is expected in the coming months, with development and testing continuing throughout 2024. Stay updated through official ENS channels.
ENSv2 represents a foundational step toward a more scalable and decentralized internet identity system. By embracing Layer 2 technology, ENS is poised to support the next wave of adoption in the Web3 space.