Ethereum News Today: Base Network Faces 33-Minute Outage Due to Sequencer Handover Failure

The Base Network, a Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, recently published a comprehensive incident report detailing a 33-minute outage caused by a sequencer handover failure. The disruption occurred during a surge in network activity triggered by multiple token launches, overwhelming the centralized sequencer management system operated by Conductor. This failure marked the first significant downtime since September 2023 and exposed vulnerabilities in the network's infrastructure, particularly its reliance on a single entity for a critical operational function [1].

The outage highlighted a key contradiction in blockchain infrastructure design: the centralized nature of Base’s sequencer system, which deviates from the decentralized principles central to Ethereum and other blockchain technologies. The report indicated that the network was restored relatively quickly without significant data loss, but the incident raised broader concerns about the resilience of blockchain platforms under high-load scenarios. Analysts noted that the event emphasized the need for more robust and distributed infrastructure to avoid disruptions as demand for Layer-2 solutions grows [2].

This is not the first instance of service interruption for Base. A 29-minute block production halt in July 2025 and a 45-minute downtime in September 2023 had already pointed to recurring infrastructure limitations. While these outages were brief, they signaled a pattern that could affect user trust over time. The latest incident reinforces the importance of diversifying sequencer responsibilities and implementing redundant systems to minimize the risk of single points of failure [3].

The implications of the outage extend beyond Base to the broader blockchain ecosystem. It prompts a reevaluation of the balance between performance and decentralization, particularly as infrastructure providers take on more responsibility for network stability. The report suggests that without adaptive governance frameworks and continuous monitoring, the risks of service disruptions will persist. As blockchain adoption continues to expand, the ability to maintain both efficiency and security will be essential to building long-term trust and ensuring sustainable growth [1].

Source:

[1] Cryptonews. (2025). Base Network Releases 33-Minute Outage Report, Said Caused by Sequencer Handover Failure. https://cryptonews.com/news/base-network-releases-33-minute-outage-report-said-caused-by-sequencer-handover-failure/

[2] AInvest. (2025). Base 33-Minute Ethereum Layer-2 Outage Traced to Faulty Sequencer. https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-base-33-minute-ethereum-layer-2-outage-traced-faulty-sequencer-2508/

[3] Crypto. (2025). Base Network Suffers 1st Downtime Since 2023, Halts Operations for 29 Minutes. https://cryptoadventure.com/base-network-suffers-1st-downtime-since-2023-halts-operations-for-29-minutes