The Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution Base, incubated by the major exchange Coinbase, has successfully activated its Azul upgrade on the mainnet. This development represents the network's first independent architectural shift since separating from the Optimism Superchain framework. The upgrade introduces a sophisticated multi-proof verification system and a revamped node structure, significantly enhancing the network's throughput and decentralization capabilities while shortening finality times for users.
Technological Advancements in Proof Systems
A central feature of the Azul upgrade is the implementation of a multi-proof system, which integrates two distinct verification technologies: Trusted Execution Environments (TEE) and Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs. This hybrid approach allows for high efficiency and improved security protocols.
- State Finality: Either the TEE or ZK proof can independently verify state finality for transactions.
- Withdrawal Speed: When both systems reach a consensus, the withdrawal period from the L2 to the Ethereum mainnet can be reduced to approximately one day.
- Conflict Resolution: In the event of a discrepancy between the two systems, the permissionless ZK proof acts as the authoritative source, overriding the TEE proof to ensure censorship resistance.
Performance Metrics and Network Infrastructure
Beyond security, the Azul upgrade focuses on optimizing the Base blockchain for high-demand applications. By unifying the execution environment into the base-reth-node and introducing a new consensus client known as base-consensus (derived from OP Kona), the network has seen a drastic reduction in operational inefficiencies. The migration to these custom clients allows for more precise block production and resource management.
Stress tests following the activation have demonstrated that the network can support a peak throughput of 5,000 transactions per second (TPS).
Furthermore, the transition has addressed the issue of empty blocks, which previously numbered around 200 per day. Following the upgrade, this figure has plummeted to approximately two empty blocks daily, maximizing the utility of the available block space.
The Azul upgrade marks a significant milestone in Base's evolution toward becoming a more autonomous and scalable ecosystem. By combining high-speed transaction capabilities with robust multi-proof security, the network positions itself as a competitive environment for decentralized applications (dApps) requiring high throughput and fast finality. As of May 29, 2026, the mainnet operations under the new protocol remain stable, signaling a successful transition to this more efficient architecture.
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