Discover what Arbitrum (ARB) is, how it works, and why it matters in crypto. Explore its features, use cases, tokenomics, and tutorials with MEXC.Discover what Arbitrum (ARB) is, how it works, and why it matters in crypto. Explore its features, use cases, tokenomics, and tutorials with MEXC.

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What is Arbitrum (ARB)

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Start learning about what is Arbitrum through guides, tokenomics, trading information, and more.

Page last updated: 2026-01-09 23:24:08 (UTC+8)

Arbitrum (ARB) Basic Introduction

Arbitrum is one of the largest layer-2 blockchains operating on top of Ethereum. Offchain Labs, the developer behind the Arbitrum ecosystem, announced on Wednesday it would be airdropping, or releasing for free to select individuals, $ARB, a new token designed to govern the two Arbitrum blockchains.

Arbitrum (ARB) Profile

Token Name
Arbitrum
Ticker Symbol
ARB
Public Blockchain
ARB
Whitepaper
Official Website
Sector
LAYER 1 / LAYER 2
Market Cap
$ 1.19B
All Time Low
$ 0.135951
All Time High
$ 2.3974
Social Media
Block Explorer

What is Arbitrum (ARB) Trading

Arbitrum (ARB) trading refers to buying and selling the token in the cryptocurrency market. On MEXC, users can trade ARB through different markets depending on your investment goals and risk preferences. The two most common methods are spot trading and futures trading.

Arbitrum (ARB) Spot Trading

Crypto spot trading is directly buying or selling ARB at the current market price. Once the trade is completed, you own the actual ARB tokens, which can be held, transferred, or sold later. Spot trading is the most straightforward way to get exposure to ARB without leverage.

Arbitrum Spot Trading

How to Acquire Arbitrum (ARB)

You can easily obtain Arbitrum (ARB) on MEXC using a variety of payment methods such as credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Paypal, and many more! Learn how to buy tokens at MEXC now!

How to Buy Arbitrum Guide

Deeper Insights into Arbitrum (ARB)

Arbitrum (ARB) History and Background

Arbitrum (ARB): History and Background

Arbitrum is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that was developed by Offchain Labs, a company founded in 2018 by Ed Felten, Steven Goldfeder, and Harry Kalodner. The project emerged from the growing need to address Ethereum's scalability issues, including high transaction fees and network congestion.

Development Timeline

The Arbitrum project began development in 2018, with the team focusing on creating an optimistic rollup solution. In May 2021, Arbitrum One launched its mainnet beta, marking a significant milestone in Ethereum scaling solutions. The platform gained rapid adoption due to its ability to process transactions faster and cheaper than the Ethereum mainnet while maintaining security through Ethereum's base layer.

Technical Foundation

Arbitrum utilizes optimistic rollup technology, which assumes transactions are valid by default and only runs computations in case of disputes. This approach allows for significant improvements in transaction throughput and cost reduction. The system maintains Ethereum's security guarantees while offering near-instant transaction finality for most use cases.

ARB Token Launch

In March 2023, Arbitrum launched its native governance token ARB through one of the largest airdrops in cryptocurrency history. The token distribution allocated tokens to early users, developers, and community members who had actively participated in the Arbitrum ecosystem before the snapshot date.

Ecosystem Growth

Since its launch, Arbitrum has become one of the leading Layer 2 solutions, hosting numerous decentralized applications, DeFi protocols, and NFT projects. The platform has consistently ranked among the top Layer 2 networks by total value locked and transaction volume, demonstrating its importance in the Ethereum scaling landscape.

Who Created Arbitrum (ARB)?

Arbitrum (ARB) was created by Offchain Labs, a blockchain technology company founded in 2018 by three Princeton University computer science researchers: Ed Felten, Steven Goldfeder, and Harry Kalodner.

Ed Felten serves as the co-founder and Chief Scientist of Offchain Labs. He is a renowned computer scientist and former Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer during the Obama administration. Felten has extensive experience in cybersecurity, privacy, and blockchain technology, having served as a professor at Princeton University for over two decades.

Steven Goldfeder is the co-founder and CEO of Offchain Labs. He holds a PhD in computer science from Princeton University, where he focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain research. Goldfeder has published numerous academic papers on blockchain scalability and security, making him a recognized expert in the field.

Harry Kalodner is the co-founder and CTO of Offchain Labs. Like his co-founders, he also earned his PhD from Princeton University, specializing in cryptocurrency research and blockchain analysis. Kalodner has contributed significantly to understanding blockchain privacy and scalability challenges.

The team at Offchain Labs developed Arbitrum as a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, utilizing optimistic rollup technology to increase transaction throughput while reducing costs. The project gained significant traction in the decentralized finance space, with its mainnet launching in August 2021.

ARB token was later introduced as the native governance token for the Arbitrum ecosystem, allowing holders to participate in protocol governance decisions. The token distribution occurred through an airdrop to early users and contributors of the Arbitrum network in March 2023, marking a significant milestone in the project's decentralization efforts.

How Does Arbitrum (ARB) Work?

Arbitrum (ARB) Operating Mechanism

Arbitrum is a Layer 2 scaling solution built on Ethereum that operates through an innovative technology called Optimistic Rollups. The system works by moving transaction execution off the main Ethereum blockchain while maintaining security through the underlying network.

Core Technology: Optimistic Rollups

Arbitrum processes transactions off-chain and bundles them into batches before submitting compressed transaction data to Ethereum mainnet. The system assumes all transactions are valid by default, hence the term "optimistic." This approach significantly reduces gas fees and increases transaction throughput compared to executing directly on Ethereum.

Fraud Proof System

To ensure security, Arbitrum implements a fraud proof mechanism. Validators monitor the network and can challenge suspicious transactions within a dispute period, typically lasting seven days. If fraud is detected, the system can reverse invalid transactions and penalize malicious actors. This creates a trustless environment where honest behavior is economically incentivized.

ARB Token Functionality

The ARB token serves as the governance token for the Arbitrum ecosystem. Token holders can participate in protocol governance by voting on proposals related to network upgrades, parameter changes, and treasury management. The token enables decentralized decision-making for the protocol's future development.

Transaction Processing

When users interact with Arbitrum, their transactions are processed by sequencers that order and execute operations. The sequencer then posts transaction data to Ethereum, ensuring data availability and finality. Users benefit from faster confirmation times and lower costs while maintaining Ethereum's security guarantees.

Smart Contract Compatibility

Arbitrum maintains full compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing developers to deploy existing smart contracts without modifications. This seamless integration enables the migration of decentralized applications from Ethereum mainnet to Arbitrum with minimal technical barriers.

Arbitrum (ARB) Key Features

Arbitrum (ARB) is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that offers several distinctive features designed to enhance blockchain performance and user experience.

Optimistic Rollup Technology

Arbitrum utilizes optimistic rollup technology, which assumes transactions are valid by default and only verifies them when challenged. This approach significantly reduces computational overhead and allows for faster transaction processing while maintaining Ethereum's security guarantees through fraud proofs.

EVM Compatibility

One of Arbitrum's most significant advantages is its full compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Developers can deploy existing Ethereum smart contracts on Arbitrum without modification, making migration seamless and preserving the existing ecosystem of tools and applications.

Lower Transaction Costs

By processing transactions off-chain and bundling them before submitting to Ethereum mainnet, Arbitrum dramatically reduces gas fees. Users typically experience cost savings of 90% or more compared to direct Ethereum transactions, making DeFi and other applications more accessible.

Enhanced Throughput

Arbitrum can process thousands of transactions per second, far exceeding Ethereum's current capacity of approximately 15 TPS. This increased throughput enables more complex applications and better user experiences without network congestion.

Decentralized Governance

The ARB token serves as a governance token, allowing holders to participate in protocol decisions and upgrades. This decentralized governance model ensures community involvement in the platform's evolution and maintains alignment with user interests.

Multi-Chain Architecture

Arbitrum supports multiple chains, including Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Nova, each optimized for different use cases. This flexibility allows developers to choose the most suitable environment for their specific application requirements.

Robust Security Model

Arbitrum inherits Ethereum's security while adding additional layers of protection through its fraud proof system and validator network, ensuring transaction integrity and user fund safety.

Arbitrum (ARB) Distribution and Allocation

Arbitrum (ARB) Token Allocation and Distribution Overview

Arbitrum's native token ARB was launched in March 2023 with a total supply of 10 billion tokens. The allocation strategy was designed to balance community incentives, ecosystem development, and long-term sustainability across multiple stakeholders.

Community Allocation (56%)

The largest portion, representing 5.6 billion ARB tokens, was allocated to the community. This includes 1.162 billion tokens distributed through the initial airdrop to early users and contributors. The remaining community allocation is reserved for future airdrops, grants, and ecosystem incentives to encourage continued participation and growth within the Arbitrum ecosystem.

Offchain Labs Team and Advisors (26.94%)

Approximately 2.694 billion ARB tokens were allocated to Offchain Labs team members, advisors, and early contributors. These tokens are subject to vesting schedules to ensure long-term commitment and prevent immediate market dumping. The vesting typically occurs over multiple years with cliff periods.

Investor Allocation (17.53%)

Around 1.753 billion ARB tokens were distributed to investors who participated in various funding rounds. Similar to team allocations, these tokens follow structured vesting schedules to maintain price stability and demonstrate investor confidence in the project's long-term vision.

Arbitrum DAO Treasury

A significant portion of the community allocation is managed by the Arbitrum DAO treasury, which funds ecosystem development, partnerships, and strategic initiatives. The DAO governance mechanism allows token holders to vote on proposals for treasury fund usage, ensuring democratic decision-making in the ecosystem's development.

Distribution Mechanism

The initial airdrop was distributed to users who had interacted with Arbitrum One and Arbitrum Nova networks before a specific snapshot date. Eligible activities included bridging funds, executing transactions, and participating in various DeFi protocols built on Arbitrum. Future distributions will be determined through governance proposals and community voting processes.

Arbitrum (ARB) Utility and Use Cases

Arbitrum (ARB) Use Cases and Application Scenarios

Arbitrum is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses Optimistic Rollup technology to enhance transaction throughput while reducing costs. The ARB token serves multiple purposes within the Arbitrum ecosystem.

Governance Functions

The primary utility of ARB tokens is governance participation. Token holders can vote on protocol upgrades, parameter changes, and strategic decisions affecting the Arbitrum network. This includes proposals for technical improvements, fee structures, and ecosystem development initiatives. The decentralized governance model ensures community involvement in the platform's evolution.

Transaction Fee Payment

ARB tokens can be used to pay transaction fees on the Arbitrum network. While ETH remains the primary fee token, ARB provides an alternative payment method, potentially offering cost advantages during certain market conditions. This dual-token system enhances user flexibility and network accessibility.

DeFi Applications

Arbitrum hosts numerous decentralized finance protocols where ARB tokens find extensive utility. Users can stake ARB in liquidity pools, participate in yield farming, and engage in lending protocols. The token's integration across various DeFi platforms creates multiple earning opportunities while contributing to overall ecosystem liquidity.

Cross-Chain Bridge Operations

ARB tokens facilitate seamless asset transfers between Ethereum mainnet and Arbitrum Layer 2. The bridging mechanism enables users to move funds efficiently while maintaining security standards. This interoperability is crucial for users seeking to leverage Arbitrum's speed and cost benefits without sacrificing access to Ethereum's broader ecosystem.

Developer Incentives and Ecosystem Growth

The Arbitrum foundation uses ARB tokens to incentivize developer adoption and ecosystem expansion. Grant programs, hackathons, and partnership initiatives often involve ARB token distributions, fostering innovation and attracting new projects to the platform. This strategic allocation helps maintain Arbitrum's competitive position in the Layer 2 landscape.

Arbitrum (ARB) Tokenomics

Tokenomics describes the economic model of Arbitrum (ARB), including its supply, distribution, and utility within the ecosystem. Factors such as total supply, circulating supply, and token allocation to the team, investors, or community play a major role in shaping its market behavior.

Arbitrum Tokenomics

Pro Tip: Understanding ARB's tokenomics, price trends, and market sentiment can help you better assess its potential future price movements.

Arbitrum (ARB) Price History

Price history provides valuable context for ARB, showing how the token has reacted to different market conditions since its launch. By studying historical highs, lows, and overall trends, traders can spot patterns or gain perspective on the token's volatility. Explore the ARB historical price movement now!

Arbitrum (ARB) Price History

Arbitrum (ARB) Price Prediction

Building on tokenomics and past performance, price predictions for ARB aim to estimate where the token might be headed. Analysts and traders often look at supply dynamics, adoption trends, market sentiment, and broader crypto movements to form expectations. Did you know, MEXC has a price prediction tool that can assist you in measuring the future price of ARB? Check it out now!

Arbitrum Price Prediction

Disclaimer

The information on this page regarding Arbitrum (ARB) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. MEXC makes no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content provided. Cryptocurrency trading carries significant risks, including market volatility and potential loss of capital. You should conduct independent research, assess your financial situation, and consult a licensed advisor before making any investment decisions. MEXC is not liable for any losses or damages arising from reliance on this information.

ARB-to-USD Calculator

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1 ARB = 0.208 USD

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