1. General presentation

Skale Network is a scaling solution for Ethereum, designed to improve transaction speed and reduce costs, while maintaining decentralization. Unlike Layer 2 solutions, Skale is an independent sidechain that operates in parallel to Ethereum.

Creator: Skale Labs, co-founded by Jack O’Holleran and Stan Kladko.
Consensus mechanism : Proof-of-Stake (PoS).
Native token : SKL, used for staking, fees and governance.
TPS (transactions per second) : Variable (can reach several thousand depending on load).
Finalization time : Less than a second.
Launch : 2020.

2. Architecture and technology

Skale offers a modular infrastructure, where developers can rent custom chains (Elastic Sidechains) to run their dApps independently.

Main features :

Elastic Sidechains : Each application can have its own Skale blockchain, reducing congestion and increasing performance.
EVM Compatibility : Ethereum smart contracts work on Skale without modification.
Zero Gas Fees : Unlike Ethereum, transactions on Skale have no fees for users, as developers pay for using the chain.
Shared security : Skale uses a system of rotating validators between its different chains, ensuring reinforced protection.
Interoperability with Ethereum : Assets can flow freely between Skale and Ethereum thanks to smart bridge contracts.

3. Advantages of Skale Network

✅ High scalability and performance

Skale can support several thousand TPS, far beyond the capabilities of Ethereum.

✅ Zero transaction fees for users

Unlike Ethereum where each transaction costs gas, Skale users pay nothing. Fees are covered by developers who rent channels.

✅ Fast deployment and compatibility with Ethereum

Ethereum dApps can be deployed on Skale without modifications, making migration easier.

✅ Decentralization and advanced security

Skale uses a validator rotation mechanism, which prevents a chain from being taken over by a small group of actors.

✅ Ideal for blockchain games and the metaverse

Applications requiring a large number of fast transactions (games, NFTs, metaverse) particularly benefit from Skale's model.

4. Disadvantages of Skale Network

❌ Less visibility than its competitors

Skale is still little known compared to other solutions like Polygon or Arbitrum, which limits its adoption.

❌ Relative centralization of staking

SKL staking is primarily dominated by a few validators, which could pose a risk of centralization in the long term.

❌ Addiction to Ethereum

Skale only functions as an extension of Ethereum and cannot exist independently. If Ethereum suffers a problem, Skale is also impacted.

❌ Limited interoperability with other blockchains

Unlike Polkadot or Cosmos, Skale does not yet easily support interoperability with blockchains other than Ethereum.

SKALE NETWORK

5. Conclusion: Is Skale Network a good project ?

Skale is a very innovative solution for developers looking to create applications quickly and at no cost to users. Its model of Elastic Sidechains is unique and makes it particularly suitable for blockchain games, NFTs and metaverses.