Overview
Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Nova are part of the Arbitrum ecosystem, which offers layer-2 (L2) scaling solutions on Ethereum’s mainnet.
- Arbitrum One: An optimistic rollup that secures Ethereum by posting transactions on-chain.
- Arbitrum Nova: Utilizes the AnyTrust protocol and a Data Availability Committee (DAC) to reduce costs and improve throughput at a slight trust tradeoff.
This guide explores the technology behind both networks, compares their differences, and analyzes their ideal use cases.
Key Comparisons
| Aspect | Arbitrum One (Rollup) | Arbitrum Nova (AnyTrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol type | Optimistic rollup; all data posted on Ethereum. | Optimistic AnyTrust chain; data stored off-chain via DAC. |
| Data availability | On-chain; data is fully accessible on Ethereum. | Off-chain; relies on DAC for availability certificates. |
| Security model | Fully trustless; fraud-proof challenges on Ethereum. | Mostly trustless; relies on ≥2 honest DAC members. |
| Decentralization | High; open validators with data on Ethereum. | Moderate; some centralization due to fixed DAC. |
| Throughput (TPS) | Dozens of TPS, limited by L1 bandwidth. | Potentially up to 40k TPS in theory. |
| Transaction fees | Low, but scales with L1 gas costs. | Ultra-low; enables sub-penny transactions. |
| Use case fit | DeFi, exchanges, NFTs needing strong security. | Gaming, social apps, microtransactions favoring scale. |
| Settlement | State posted to Ethereum with ~1 week challenge period. | Posts state and DAC certificate with similar finality. |
Arbitrum One
Arbitrum One is a layer-2 optimistic rollup chain that batches Ethereum transactions and submits them as call data. It assumes validity until proven otherwise, leveraging Ethereum’s security. The chain allows anyone to reconstruct its state, ensuring transparency.
Technical Insight
Powered by the Nitro technology stack, Arbitrum One supports EVM compatibility, enabling developers to deploy contracts with no modifications. Validators can challenge state postings, invoking a multi-round fraud proof mechanism.
Performance
Arbitrum One achieves higher transaction throughput than Ethereum and lower fees, making it attractive for DeFi applications, processing around 8–15 TPS.
Arbitrum Nova
Arbitrum Nova is designed for high transaction volumes and low costs using the AnyTrust protocol. Transactions are assumed valid unless proven otherwise, offering significant gas cost reductions.
Technical Insight
Like Arbitrum One, Nova maintains EVM compatibility and utilizes a centralized sequencer for fast confirmations. Data availability relies on the DAC, with a fallback to rollup mode if necessary.
Performance
With lower gas costs and increased scalability, Nova can handle extreme transaction volumes, costing approximately $0.01 per transaction versus $0.10 on Arbitrum One.
User Group Suitability
For Developers
- Arbitrum One: Best for high-value DApps, DeFi protocols, and NFT marketplaces.
- Arbitrum Nova: Ideal for games and social apps where low fees are crucial.
For Enterprises
- Arbitrum One: Suitable for financial services needing trustless security.
- Arbitrum Nova: Fits consumer-facing enterprises focused on scale and low costs.
For DeFi Users
- DeFi users: Generally prefer Arbitrum One for its security, while Nova suits niche cases for small-value trades.
For Gaming and NFTs
- Nova: Ideal for frequent, low-cost transactions.
- Arbitrum One: Secures high-value NFTs effectively.
For Transaction Costs
- Nova: Optimal for minimal cost needs like micropayments.
- Arbitrum One: Preferred where trustless decentralization is key.
Conclusion
Deciding between Arbitrum One and Nova depends on project requirements, acceptable trust levels, and transaction throughput. Arbitrum One offers tighter security, while Nova excels in low fees and scalability, suitable for different use cases.
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