The article discusses the role of the sequencer node in the Ethereum rollup ecosystem. The sequencer is responsible for ordering, executing, and aggregating off-chain transactions before publishing them on the layer-1 blockchain. It plays a crucial role in improving the scalability and efficiency of layer 2 solutions by reducing gas costs and accelerating transaction finalization. The sequencer can be centralized or decentralized, depending on the architecture of the layer-2 solution, and it influences critical aspects such as transaction order, data availability, and censorship resistance. The article explores the tasks performed by sequencers, including transaction collection and sorting, execution and calculation of the state, and batch production and publication on the layer-1 chain. While most sequencers on Ethereum are currently centralized, there is a movement towards decentralization in order to avoid single points of failure and potential censorship risks. The article highlights the dangers of excessive centralization, using the example of the Velocore hack and exploit on the Linea rollup protocol, where the shutdown of the sequencer by Consensys prevented a financial disaster but also raised concerns about centralized power.



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