Blockchain networks are designed to let people transfer value, run applications, and interact with digital assets without relying on a central authority. But as more people use a blockchain, the network can face an important challenge: how can it process more activity without becoming slow, expensive, or overly centralized?

Blockchain technology promises decentralized systems that can operate without relying on a central authority. But as blockchain networks attract more users, applications, and transactions, they face a fundamental challenge: how can they handle significantly more activity without becoming slow, expensive, or increasingly centralized?

Ethereum is the largest smart contract platform in the blockchain industry and serves as the foundation for thousands of decentralized applications, DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and blockchain games. As Ethereum's popularity has grown, so have its challenges, particularly high transaction fees and network congestion during periods of heavy usage. To solve these issues without compromising security, developers h…