# What is AltLayer?

By [aefu](https://paragraph.com/@aefu) · 2024-10-14

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AltLayer is an **open and decentralized protocol** for rollups, offering a **Rollups-as-a-Service (RaaS)** platform. It enables developers and non-technical users to launch custom rollups **in just two minutes** through a no-code interface. This makes creating blockchain solutions fast and accessible.

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### **Key Features of AltLayer**

1.  **Multi-Chain and Multi-VM Compatibility**
    
    *   AltLayer is designed to support **multiple blockchains and virtual machines** (VMs), including **EVM and WASM**.
        
    *   It integrates with various SDKs for rollup development, such as **OP Stack, Arbitrum Orbit, Polygon zkEVM, zkSync’s ZK Stack, and StarkWare**.
        
    *   It also supports **shared sequencing services** like **Espresso** and **Radius**, and multiple **data availability (DA) solutions** such as **Celestia, EigenLayer, and Avail**.
        
2.  **Restaked Rollups**
    
    *   AltLayer introduces the concept of **restaked rollups**, which enhance the **security, decentralization, interoperability,** and **economic finality** of existing rollups (like OP Stack or Polygon CDK) by leveraging **EigenLayer’s restaking mechanism**.
        
    *   Restaked rollups rely on three **Actively Validated Services (AVSes)** that offer key advantages:
        
        *   **Accurate State Verification**: Ensures trust and safety for rollups.
            
        *   **Faster Finality**: Reduces transaction confirmation times, improving user experience.
            
        *   **Decentralized Sequencing**: Eliminates reliance on a single sequencer, enhancing system resilience and minimizing manipulation.
            
3.  **Modular AVS Components**
    
    *   **VITAL**: Monitors rollup operations like an independent auditor to ensure integrity and safety.
        
    *   **MACH**: Allows operators to **restake their Ethereum assets** as collateral, supporting the authenticity of rollup states.
        
    *   **SQUAD**: Provides decentralized sequencing with economic incentives, preventing MEV (miner extractable value) issues and other risks tied to centralized sequencers.
        

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### **Types of Rollups in AltLayer**

1.  **Ephemeral Rollups**
    
    *   These are **temporary rollups** that run as needed and are secured by **Layer 1** blockchain protocols. They are designed to meet short-term application demands and are **discontinued** once no longer required.
        
2.  **Persistent Rollups**
    
    *   **Long-term rollups** that run continuously, suitable for **permanent applications**. They provide sustainable solutions for developers who need dedicated infrastructure over time.
        

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### **AltLayer’s Flexibility**

AltLayer allows developers to choose from a wide variety of rollups to fit specific application needs. These range from **general-purpose rollups** (like **Arbitrum, Optimism,** and **zkSync**) to **specialized rollups** customized for unique use cases. With a modular approach, AltLayer ensures that developers can easily adapt rollup architectures to their requirements.

AltLayer aims to make rollup deployment fast, accessible, and highly customizable, driving innovation in the blockchain space with flexible **scalability, security, and interoperability** solutions.

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*Originally published on [aefu](https://paragraph.com/@aefu/what-is-altlayer)*