BNB Chain has released the opBNB testnet, a blockchain based on Optimism’s OP Stack that is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Developers anticipate that the opBNB testnet will be able to reach speeds of 4,000 transactions per second (tps) at a cost of 0.005 U.S. cents per transaction. This is double the speed of BNB Chain and significantly higher than Ethereum’s 30 tps. Testnets are used to simulate real-world usage and allow developers to test applications and tools before deploying them on a mainnet.
The opBNB testnet is designed to help alleviate network congestion and reduce transaction costs by porting the network to a layer 2 blockchain. This batches multiple transactions into one and submits them to a base blockchain. Developers believe that this will result in a superior user experience and enable projects with high transaction volumes to thrive.
Projects can leverage improved throughput and significantly lower transaction costs, developers said in the release. opBNB’s enhanced scalability overcomes challenges previously faced by projects with high transaction volumes on BSC and enables them to thrive.
Developers and projects can begin building on the opBNB testnet starting Monday.