The Ethereum layer-2 scaling network Base, incubated by Coinbase, is transitioning from the open-source Optimism technology stack to its own unified system. This strategic shift aims to accelerate upgrade deployment and reduce operational overhead.
Base will now develop its own specifications, code, and infrastructure. This move grants the network greater autonomy to implement protocol improvements more frequently and concentrate resources on achieving a scaling target of 1 billion gas units per second. The network plans to double its network hard-forks to six per year, focusing on specific enhancements in each.
Previously, Base relied on components owned by multiple teams and spread across various repositories, creating coordination and maintenance challenges. The new unified solution, utilizing open-sourced components like Reth, is designed to simplify the architecture and optimize it for Base's specific use case.
Node operators and developers will be required to migrate to the Base client in the coming months to ensure compatibility. These changes are intended to enhance the network's decentralization and scalability.
This development follows Coinbase's recent Q4 earnings report, which highlighted plans to drive transactions on the Base network in 2026. Representatives from both Coinbase and Base have previously confirmed exploration into launching a native token for the network, with market cap estimates ranging between $12 billion and $34 billion.
Base currently holds the top position among layer-2 networks in terms of total value locked, accounting for approximately 32% of the scale of the layer-1 network Solana. Coinbase shares have seen a decline of nearly 49% in the last six months.