What are L2 sequencers? Ethereum’s centralized chokepoint, explained
The post What are L2 sequencers? Ethereum’s centralized chokepoint, explained appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Nearly every transaction on Ethereum’s layer-2 networks passes through a single machine, run by a single company, called a sequencer. It orders trades, sets the pace of the chain, earns the fees, and can go dark or say no. This guide explains what sequencers actually do, why the most decentralized ecosystem in crypto runs its fast lanes through central operators, what can and cannot go wrong, and the roadmaps racing to fix it. Summary Ethereum layer 2 networks rely on centralized sequencers that order transactions, collect fees, and can temporarily halt network activity during outages. Sequencers cannot steal user funds because Ethereum secures transaction validity, but they can influence transaction ordering, censorship, and network availability. Rollup developers are working toward decentralized sequencing models to reduce reliance on a single operator while preserving E