🛟FAQ Arbitrum

Arbitrum Documentation/FAQ

What is Arbitrum?

Arbitrum is a Layer 2 and Layer 3 scaling solution on Ethereum designed to make dApps faster and cost-effective, by offloading computation and storage from the Ethereum main chain. Providing higher throughput and lower fees.

Arbitrum Chains Ecosystem

Arbitrum provides different types of rollups and execution environments tailored for various use cases:

Arbitrum One

• Description: The main Arbitrum L2 rollup with full Ethereum compatibility.

• Best For: DeFi, NFTs, general dApps.

Arbitrum Nova

• Description: Optimized for high-throughput and low-cost transactions using AnyTrust technology.

• Best For: Gaming, social apps, microtransactions.

Arbitrum AnyTrust

• Description: Uses off-chain data availability with a local DA, 3rd party DA for efficiency.

• Features:

  • Custom gas token support.

  • Validium-based solution.

• Best For: Enterprise solutions L2.

Arbitrum Orbit

• Description: Allows developers to launch custom L2 or L3 rollups with tailored settings.

• Best For: Application-specific rollups, custom gas tokens, ecosystem chains.

Setup & Configuration

• Sequencer (with ArbOS): Orders transactions and executes state transitions but does not submit rollup data to L1.

• Coordinator: Aggregates L2 transactions into compressed batches before posting them to L1 Ethereum.

• Node Provider / RPC Interface: Allows dApps and users to interact with the Arbitrum network.

• Fraud Proof System: Handles fraud-proof verification and dispute resolution.

• Finalized Transactions: Transactions validated through the fraud-proof mechanism.

Configuration Parameters

• max_gas_limit_per_block: Determines the maximum gas allowed in each Arbitrum block.

(Applies to Arbitrum One & Orbit but differs for Nova & AnyTrust)

Why is my bridge withdrawal taking so long?

Arbitrum has a 7-day challenge period for fraud-proof verification.

• During the 7-day challenge period, anyone can submit fraud proofs if they detect an invalid state transition.

• If no fraud is detected, the transaction is finalized, and funds become available on Ethereum L1.

• This mechanism ensures that Arbitrum remains secure without needing real-time computation on L1.

Faster Withdrawal Alternatives

A faster alternative is to use liquidity providers like Hop Protocol or Across Protocol. Waiting 7 days can be inconvenient, users can use third-party liquidity providers that offer fast exits by fronting the withdrawn funds.

• Hop Protocol – Bridges assets instantly by using a network of liquidity providers.

• Across Protocol – Provides rapid transfers across chains using bonded relayers.

Does Arbitrum support EIP-1559?

Yes, Arbitrum does support EIP-1559.

What Does This Mean for Developers?

• Gas estimation must be adjusted – Arbitrum does use a "base fee" + "priority tip" structure.

• Wallets may display fees differently compared to Ethereum mainnet.

What happens if the Arbitrum Sequencer goes offline?

• Failsafe Mode: Users can submit transactions directly to Ethereum L1.

• Censorship Resistance: If the sequencer fails to include a transaction, users can force inclusion after 24 hours.

• Multiple Sequencer Support: A new sequencer can be activated if the primary one is down.

Validators & Security Model

Arbitrum uses a three-tier validator model to maintain security and detect fraud:

Security Mechanism:

• Punishment for Fraud: Malicious validators lose their stake.

• Observers Earn Rewards: If they catch fraudulent activity.