Will Celo’s latest move help it dominate the Layer 2 sector?

    Celo unveils Dango, its Layer 2 testnet, marking the initial phase of integration with the Ethereum ecosystem.
    Celo used Optimism’s OP stack to make this plan come to fruition.

As a researcher with extensive experience in the blockchain industry, I am thrilled to see Celo taking a significant step towards integrating with Ethereum by unveiling its Dango Layer 2 testnet. This move not only marks the initial phase of Celo’s plan to become part of the Ethereum ecosystem but also signifies a major leap in providing faster, more global transactions for mobile phone users.


In a notable advancement towards joining the Ethereum (ETH) community, Celo – the mobile-friendly blockchain network – recently unveiled its Dango Layer 2 testnet. This milestone signifies a substantial progression in Celo’s objective to link up with Ethereum.

It takes two to Dango

As a blockchain analyst, I’d describe it this way: At EthCC 2023, the Dango testnet was proposed as a solution for developers looking to transfer their work to a newer version of the Celo blockchain, which prioritizes swift and international transactions. This testnet is designed to maintain historical data from Alfajores, such as smart contracts, accounts, and balances, thereby ensuring a seamless transition.

Dango is constructed using the OP Stack of Built on Optimism. This combination brings together the robust security of Celo’s Layer 1, along with the flexibility and compatibility of the OP Stack framework for enhanced scalability.

As a researcher exploring the field of blockchain technology, I’d like to highlight one particular project that has caught my attention recently: EigenDA. This innovative solution, backed by the esteemed Eigen Foundation and boasting a supportive community, aims to streamline transaction fees within Dango’s Layer-2 architecture. In simpler terms, EigenDA enables more efficient and cost-effective transactions on Dango’s platform.

As a researcher studying this architecture, I can describe it as being designed with a focus on affordability and efficiency. One significant improvement achieved through this design is a 50% reduction in transaction processing time. Specifically, the block processing time was previously 5 seconds but has now been optimized to only take 2 seconds.

Dango Layer-2 provides effortless token conversion between WETH and ERC-20 for Ethereum and Celo exchanges, along with the advantage of one-block confirmation for quick and safe transactions.

Dango facilitates interoperability between CELO token transactions on its native platform and the ERC-20 standard, offering developers versatility. Furthermore, Dango enables processing payments using multiple ERC-20 tokens like USDT and USDC, thereby enhancing available payment methods.

The SocialConnect feature by Dango facilitates the process of transferring and obtaining cryptocurrency through phone numbers or emails, making it more convenient for new crypto users.

Affordable gas fees are a key advantage for Dango, which could encourage more people around the world to adopt cryptocurrencies.

What’s next for Dango?

As a crypto investor excited about the latest developments, I’m thrilled to share that the launch of the Dango testnet has instigated a wave of upgrades among infrastructure providers. In response, they’re actively working on enhancing the code for their Layer-2 nodes. This proactive approach ensures our investment in the Dango ecosystem remains robust and forward-thinking.

After major providers have integrated the necessary updates to align with the new design, the Alfajores testnet can be upgraded smoothly without the need for a distinct blockchain split.

As a crypto investor, I can tell you that this simplified procedure enables developers to trial their user interfaces on the enhanced network without disrupting the performance of active user-facing apps. This way, they can ensure a seamless experience for their clients while continuously improving their products.

Reaching this significant goal before the summer 2024 deadline paves the way for the expected debut of the Celo Layer-2 mainnet around early winter 2024.

The Celo Foundation and cLabs remain dedicated to fostering creativity and providing support to the blockchain community, making certain that the shift is smooth and the expansion is strong for both creators and consumers.

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2024-07-09 11:03