As Ethereum continues to grow and gain attention, its co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, has proposed measures to reduce the load on the Ethereum blockchain and simplify its proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus. These proposed changes aim to address technical challenges and enhance the efficiency and scalability of the network. In this article, we will explore Buterin’s proposal and its potential impact on the future of Ethereum.
Ethereum’s goal of achieving decentralization and involving regular users in staking has led to significant technical challenges. Currently, the network supports around 895,000 validators, requiring them to process approximately 28,000 signatures per slot. This high load on the network poses limitations on quantum resistance, complex forking, and scalability. It also presents a high entry barrier for ordinary individuals, with a minimum requirement of 32 ETH to become a validator.
To address these challenges, Buterin proposes reducing the number of signatures per slot to a more moderate level. The aim is to achieve technical simplification, enhance quantum resistance, and maintain good validator behavior. The proposed solution suggests approximately 8,192 signatures per slot, significantly reducing the current load.
By reducing the number of signatures per slot, Ethereum can experience major technical simplification and enhance the chain’s quantum resistance. The adjustment would also maintain a significant total slashable ETH at around 1-2 million ETH. Slashing, a mechanism to enforce good validator behavior, would remain effective with this adjustment.
Approaches to Achieve the Reduction
Buterin suggests three potential approaches to achieve this reduction in signatures per slot. The first approach involves relying on decentralized staking pools, where multiple validators pool their resources to collectively fulfill the signature requirement. This approach would distribute the workload and minimize the burden on individual validators.
The second approach proposes implementing a two-tiered system with “heavy” and “light” staking. Validators with a higher stake would be responsible for a greater number of signatures, while validators with a lower stake would have a more manageable workload. This hierarchical system would ensure a more efficient distribution of signatures.
The third approach involves introducing rotating participation with accountable committees. Validators would take turns fulfilling the signature requirement, reducing the burden on individual validators and promoting fairness in the network.
The proposed reduction in signatures per slot offers several benefits for the Ethereum network. Firstly, it sets the future signature load at a manageable level, making protocol and infrastructure development much easier. Developers would have a known factor to consider, allowing for potential adjustments through hard forks when they are confident that the technology can handle a larger number of signatures per slot seamlessly.
Additionally, simplifying the proof-of-stake consensus would enhance the efficiency and scalability of the Ethereum network. It would enable ordinary individuals to participate more actively in staking, as the minimum requirement of 32 ETH would be reduced. This change would promote decentralization and broad participation within the Ethereum community.
Vitalik Buterin’s proposal to reduce the load on the Ethereum blockchain and simplify its proof-of-stake consensus presents an exciting prospect for the future of Ethereum. By reducing the number of signatures per slot and implementing new approaches to achieve this reduction, Ethereum can overcome technical challenges, enhance efficiency, and promote decentralization. These changes have the potential to revolutionize the Ethereum network and pave the way for its continued growth and success in the world of cryptocurrency.