A new layer-2 chain called opBNB has been introduced by the blockchain founded by Binance. However, some argue that there are alternative methods to enhance the network's scalability.

In an attempt to tackle its "scalability challenge," BNB Chain, the layer-1 blockchain founded by Binance, has unveiled a new layer-2 chain.

BNB Chain revealed opBNB on June 19, presenting it as a testnet. This fresh layer-2 scaling solution incorporates the Optimism OP Stack, aiming to enhance the security and scalability of the Binance blockchain network.

Being Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible, the system operates as a layer-2 chain, enabling seamless integration with Ethereum-based smart contracts, networks, and ERC-20 token standards.

During periods of heightened network demand, blockchains frequently encounter issues such as network congestion and high fees. BNB Chain currently boasts an approximate transaction throughput of 2,000 transactions per second, accompanied by transaction costs averaging around $0.10.

As per the official announcement, opBNB has the capacity to accommodate over 4,000 transfer transactions per second, while maintaining an average transaction cost that is below $0.005.

Additionally, opBNB facilitates the optimization of data accessibility, the caching layer, and the adjustment of the submission process algorithm, enabling concurrent operations. This enhancement allows for an increased gas limit of 100 million per block, surpassing Optimism's existing limit of 30 million.

Binance has described opBNB as its response to the scalability challenge that has hindered the widespread adoption of blockchain technology.

Optimism employs Optimistic Rollups to enhance transaction scalability by automatically considering transaction data, processed off the root chain, as valid unless proven otherwise.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the RPC (remote procedure call) service layer streamlines the integration process by providing a user-friendly interface.

This enables developers to concentrate on building applications without being burdened by the intricacies of Layer 2 scaling, the statement highlighted.

Adam Cochran, a partner at Cinneamhain Ventures, expressed skepticism about the development, stating that BNB Chain encountered scaling challenges due to centralizing an Ethereum fork and raising the gas limit to an unsafe level.

He added that launching an Optimism fork “made no sense” since there were other options, such as joining Optimism as a “superchain,” or becoming a layer-2 directly on Ethereum, or even a layer-3 on Optimism or Arbitrum.

BNB Chain holds the third position in terms of DeFi total value locked (TVL), trailing behind Ethereum and Tron. BNB Chain boasts a TVL of $3.38 billion, a 24-hour trading volume of $264 million, and approximately one million active daily users.