Setting up Metamask for Arbitrum Nova

What is Arbitrum and Arbitrum Nova?

Arbitrum is a scaling solution for Ethereum, a decentralized platform that runs smart contracts. It is designed to enable Ethereum to process transactions faster and at a lower cost, while still maintaining the security and decentralization of the Ethereum network.

There are two versions of Arbitrum — namely Arbitrum One, which is built on roll-up technology, and Arbitrum Nova, built on AnyTrust technology.

Difference between Arbitrum Rollup and Arbitrum AnyTrust

Arbitrum Rollup is a type of protocol that allows for faster and cheaper transactions on the Ethereum network.

It works by allowing transactions to be processed optimistically, meaning they are assumed to be valid until proven otherwise. If a transaction is found to be invalid, it can be challenged and resolved through a process called challenge-driven execution.

Arbitrum AnyTrust is a variant of the Arbitrum Rollup protocol that introduces a trust assumption in exchange for lower fees.

In this version, data availability is managed by a Data Availability Committee (DAC), which is a fixed group of permissioned entities. If at least 19 out of the 20 members of the DAC are well-behaved, the system can operate without posting the data on the Ethereum network, resulting in lower fees for users.

However, if 19 out of the 20 members of the DAC are malicious and colluding, they can break the chain’s safety and potentially steal funds. Variants of the AnyTrust model that minimize this trust assumption are under consideration.

Pre-requisites

• MetaMask extension installed on the browser
• At least one wallet created or imported

Connecting MetaMask to Arbitrum Nova

Switch the connected blockchain by clicking on the tab saying Main Ethereum Network, we need to add Arbitrum Nova.

Scroll down until you find Add Network.

Enter in the Arbitrum Nova settings as follows:

• Network name: Arbitrum Nova
• RPC URL: https://nova.arbitrum.io/rpc
• Chain ID: 42170
• Currency: ETH
• Explorer: https://nova-explorer.arbiscan.io

Click Save.

You have now connected to the Arbitrum Nova with your Metamask Wallet!

Transactions on the Polygon network requires ETH which will be used as gas fee.

Buy ETH on Binance and get discounts on trading fees.

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