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Each of the components in our architecture serves a specific purpose:
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Surge’s architecture is composed of several key components, each serving a specific function:
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- Nethermind Execution Client (NMC): A high-performance Ethereum client that handles the execution with Gigagas performance ([NMC documentation](https://github.com/NethermindEth/nethermind))
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-**Nethermind Execution Client (NMC):** A high-performance Ethereum client that delivers Gigagas performance. [NMC Documentation](https://github.com/NethermindEth/nethermind).
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- Taiko Client: Handles the consensus layer ([Taiko documentation](https://docs.taiko.xyz/taiko-alethia-protocol/protocol-architecture/taiko-alethia-nodes#consensus-layer-taiko-client))
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-**Taiko Client:** Manages the consensus layer of the rollup. [Taiko Documentation](https://docs.taiko.xyz/taiko-alethia-protocol/protocol-architecture/taiko-alethia-nodes#consensus-layer-taiko-client).
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### Components of Taiko Stack
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### Components of the Taiko Stack
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- Taiko Prover: Part of the Taiko Client, generates state transition proofs for the rollup
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The Taiko Client consists of several sub-components:
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- Taiko Driver: Part of the Taiko Client, handles following the rollup
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-**Taiko Prover:** Generates state transition proofs for the rollup.
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-**Taiko Driver:** Follows and monitors the rollup’s state transitions.
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-**Taiko Proposer:** Proposes new blocks to the rollup.
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- Taiko Proposer: Part of the Taiko Client, proposes new blocks to the rollup
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## How Surge Differs from the Taiko Stack
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## How is Surge different from the Taiko Stack
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Surge has customized aspects of the Taiko architecture to enhance performance and remove any reliance on new tokens:
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We customized the implementation of the Taiko stack to remove token dependencies and allowed utilizing Ether for use as a bond in block proposal.
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1.**Token-Free Design:** Surge removes token dependencies, allowing the use of Ether as a bond for block proposals.
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Performance improevements were made by swapping out the execution client from TaikoGeth to using the NMC [(NMC documentation) https://github.com/NethermindEth/nethermind].
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2.**Execution Client Upgrade:** Replaced TaikoGeth with the Nethermind Execution Client (NMC) to achieve better performance. [NMC Documentation](https://github.com/NethermindEth/nethermind).
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Time-Locked owner: We modified the multisig implementation to have a 45day timelock to be compliant with Stage2 requirements set forth by L2Beat
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3.**Time-Locked Owner:** Modified the multisig implementation to feature a 45-day timelock, aligning with Stage 2 requirements by L2Beat.
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Verification Streak checks: Owner operations from the multisig are blocked, if there has been a liveness disruption for a period of 7 days or more in the last 45 days.
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4.**Verification Streak Checks:** Owner operations via the multisig are blocked if there has been a liveness disruption of 7 days or more within the past 45 days.
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Disabled pausing of protocol and peripheral contracts: The owner cannot pause the protocol
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5.**Disabled Pausing:** The owner cannot pause the protocol or peripheral contracts.
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2/3 proof verifier as the sole proof verifier: We have three proof systems: SGX, SP1, Risc0. At least 2 of 3 of the provers must agree on a state transition for the transition to be accepted.
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6.**2/3 Proof Verifier:** There are three proof systems (SGX, SP1, and Risc0). At least two of these must agree on a state transition for it to be accepted.
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Disabled contestation window as we only have one proving system and no other tiers. This makes Surge a ZkRollup and not an Optimistic one.
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7.**No Contestation Window:** As Surge employs a single ZK approach (no optimistic fallback), it does not require a contestation window. This design choice makes Surge a pure ZK-Rollup rather than an Optimistic Rollup.
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## Comparing Based and Non-Based Rollups
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-**Based Rollups**: Transaction ordering is done by Ethereum’s decentralized validators and block builders, leveraging PBS to maintain fairness and trustlessness.
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-**Conventional Rollups**: A centralized sequencer has the final say on transaction order before batches go to L1, introducing potential risks of manipulation or censorship.
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Surge takes a **token-free** approach to decentralization. While many rollups introduce governance tokens to align community incentives, experience has shown that governance tokens can create misaligned incentives and concentrate power among large holders.
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## Why No Token?
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-**Incentive Alignment:** Rather than relying on a token with its own speculative pressures, Surge aligns with Ethereum’s existing economic model.
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-**Reduced Complexity:** Without a governance token, Surge avoids the pitfalls of complicated voting processes and token-holding concentrations. (Learn more about [common governance token pitfalls](https://blog.colony.io/governance-token/) and [DeFi governance token roles](https://www.openware.com/news/articles/the-role-of-governance-tokens-in-defi-projects).)
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-**Long-Term Sustainability:** By not introducing an additional token, Surge remains focused on sustainable growth and decentralization rather than short-term market speculation.
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## ETH for Gas
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Surge uses **ETH** as the native currency for gas payments:
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-**Burning ETH:** Transaction fees on Surge contribute to Ethereum’s deflationary mechanic, reinforcing the network’s [ultra-sound money](https://ultrasound.money) principles.
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-**Simplicity:** This approach aligns directly with Ethereum’s economic model, streamlining the user experience and reducing overhead.
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# Introduction to Surge
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Surge is a maximally aligned, high-performance Ethereum rollup built on modified Taiko technology. It inherits Ethereum’s security while providing enhanced performance and composability.
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Surge is a [based rollup](https://ethresear.ch/t/based-rollups-superpowers-from-l1-sequencing/15016) template built on the [Taiko stack](https://taiko.xyz/). It adopts the [Stage 2 security framework](https://medium.com/l2beat/introducing-stages-a-framework-to-evaluate-rollups-maturity-d290bb22befe) and relies on Ethereum’s validators — rather than a centralized sequencer — for transaction ordering. This approach ensures robust decentralization and censorship resistance, aligning with Ethereum’s core principles and security guarantees.
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## What is Surge?
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## What Makes Surge Unique?
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Surge is a high-performance and censorship-resistant Ethereum rollup template, meant as a technical showcase that is designed to be:
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-**Maximally Ethereum-Aligned:** Uses Ether (ETH) for gas and bonds, avoiding the need for an L2 governance token.
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-**Aiming for Gigagas Throughput:** Leverages the Nethermind Client (NMC) for high-speed performance. [NMC](https://github.com/NethermindEth/nethermind/releases/tag/1.30.0) has already demonstrated gigagas capabilities.
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-**ZK Proving System:** Leverages zero-knowledge proofs for trustless scaling.
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-**Stage 2 Security:** Adheres to rigorous security standards to protect users and funds.
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-**Censorship Resistance:** Transaction ordering is handled by Ethereum validators, removing centralized sequencer risk.
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-**Open Source & Replicable:** The [infrastructure and code](https://github.com/NethermindEth/surge) are fully open source, allowing the community to maintain or fork Surge at any time.
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-**45-Day Timelock:** Owner multisig actions require a 45-day notice, giving users ample time to react if needed.
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- Maximally Ethereum-aligned
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- Stage 2 from launch
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- Provide Gigagas performance
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- Censorship-resistant
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- Optimized for user experience with low transaction costs and confirmation times
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- Focused on cross-layer composability
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- Built on proven Taiko technology, modified to remove token dependencies
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## Goals & Non-Goals
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## Architecture
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**Goals**
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- Advance the Rollup-Centric Roadmap through engineering and research
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- Preserve Ethereum’s censorship resistance
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- Enable seamless L1 and cross-rollup composability
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Learn about the [Surge Architecture](./About/architecture).
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**Non-Goals**
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- Capturing users & revenue
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- Surge follows a *zero-users* approach, focusing on agents, builders, and developers who want to explore the boundaries of Ethereum — rather than aiming for immediate mass adoption.
By showcasing how to remove centralized sequencer risks and eliminate L2 governance, Surge sets an example for decentralized rollup design. Its focus on high performance, open-source collaboration, and minimal overhead paves the way for a more sustainable Ethereum ecosystem:
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## Running Your Surge Rollup
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-**For Developers:** A reliable testing ground for censorship-resistant dApps.
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-**For Builders:** An optimized environment for fast L2 block building.
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-**For Users:** A rollup that stays true to Ethereum’s ethos of trustlessness and decentralization.
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Follow the [Running Surge](./Guides/running-surge) guide.
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## Getting Started
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## Key Features
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-**Learn More:** Visit the *About* section for details on Surge’s architecture and design choices.
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-**Guides:** Explore the *Guides* section to deploy your own dApp or operate a Surge rollup.
- The owner multisig has a 45-day timelock on any action to allow users ample time to exit with their funds.
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## Goals
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- Push the Rollup Centric Roadmap forward with engineering and research
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- Maintain censorship resistance
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- Enable seamless composability with L1 and other rollups
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## Non-Goals
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- Capture users and revenue
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- Compete with other rollups
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Surge is continually evolving. By taking part in its testnet, you can experience firsthand how a truly decentralized rollup — rooted in Ethereum’s security and designed for long-term sustainability — can shape the future of Layer 2 solutions.
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