Optimism is collaborating with Flashbots to enhance transaction processing in its OP Stack ecosystem, aiming to accelerate and customize popular Ethereum layer-2 networks.
The partnership focuses on sequencing, the critical process that influences transaction confirmation speed, prioritization of trades, and the fees users incur. Optimism states that Flashbots’ infrastructure, which currently produces over 90% of Ethereum’s blocks, will introduce near-instant confirmations and streamlined transaction orders across the Superchain.
This development is significant as the OP Stack powers more than 60% of all Ethereum layer 2 activities, according to the Optimism team, encompassing well-known layer-2 chains like Base, Unichain, World Chain, Ink, and Soneium. Previously, advanced sequencing features such as ultra-fast settlement, frontrunning protections, and custom compliance rules were limited to major chains with in-house resources. With Flashbots joining forces, these features will now be accessible to any project on the Optimism OP stack.
Flashbots is recognized for its contributions to MEV, or maximal extractable value, particularly through its MEV-Boost tool that has transformed block production.
Some aspects of Flashbots’ sequencing technology are already operational on OP Stack chains: Base and Unichain implement “Flashblocks,” achieving block times as quick as 200 milliseconds, while Unichain and World Chain are testing verifiable transaction ordering and priority blockspace to ensure transactions are ordered fairly and counter frontrunning.
In the upcoming months, Optimism and Flashbots are set to introduce flashblocks and advanced sequencing R&D to Optimism’s mainnet and other OP Stack chains.
“With Flashbots as a key technology partner, we’re expediting the roadmap for efficient, affordable, and customizable sequencing throughout the OP Stack,” said Sam McIngvale, head of product at OP Labs. “This aligns with our broader goal: empowering builders to craft their chains as they see fit, with infrastructure that is open, adaptable, and production-tested.”
Read more: Optimism’s Jing Wang and the Widely Adopted OP Stack
