Modular Blockchain
A design that splits a blockchain's core jobs across separate specialized layers instead of handling them all in one chain.
A monolithic chain like early Ethereum does everything itself: ordering transactions, executing them, reaching consensus, and storing data. A modular stack splits those roles. Execution might happen on a rollup, consensus and data availability on a separate base layer, settlement somewhere in between. Each layer can be optimized and swapped without rebuilding the rest.
The argument is scalability. Specialized layers can each do their one job better than a single chain juggling all of them. Critics counter that splitting trust across layers adds complexity and new failure points, and that bridging value between modules is where things tend to break.
Related terms
The guarantee that the data behind a block or batch is published and retrievable, so anyone can verify or rebuild state.
RollupA scaling method that batches many transactions off-chain and posts a compressed proof or record to the base layer.
ScalabilityA network's capacity to handle more transactions and users without fees and delays spiking.
Layer 2A separate network built on top of a base chain to process transactions faster and far more cheaply.