Base Breaks Free from Optimism Infrastructure

Base, an Ethereum Layer 2 network backed by Coinbase, has moved away from Optimism's OP Stack infrastructure and is now operating independently. This change aims to reduce Base's reliance on external dependencies that powered the blockchain since its launch in August 2023.

Node operators will need to migrate their software to remain compatible with future network upgrades, which are expected to occur more frequently due to the consolidation of codebase elements into a single repository built on open-source components including Reth.

The transition is expected to increase Base's hard fork schedule from three to six per year and allow for greater autonomy in decision-making processes. The Base Security Council has also appointed an independent signer to replace Optimism's position, further reducing dependence on external infrastructure.