- Vitalik Buterin proposed a comprehensive security and efficiency enhancement for Ethereum L2
- Pectra and Fusaka to make more space for data (blobs)
- Achieving fast finality through hybrid short-term proofs
- Creating standard proof aggregation layers
Vitalik Buterin proposed a comprehensive security and efficiency enhancement for Ethereum L2 and highlights three main directions for this, namely more space for data (blobs), achieving fast finality through hybrid short-term proof systems, and creating standard proof aggregation layers.
Why More Room for Data?
Data space is a significant precursor to efficiently scaling L2 solutions, and solving this could significantly impact their productivity for which he mentions two key projects:
- Pectra – aims for a limit of 6 blobs.
- Fusaka – aims for a limit of 72 blobs in the fourth quarter. Or, alternatively, 12-24 blobs in Q3 with rapid increases thereafter.
Hybrid Proof System (OP + ZK + TEE)
Also, he suggests considering the principle for a hybrid short-term proof system, which he mentions as 2+3 and calls the most optimal solution. The net of it is that it combines Optimistic Proofs (OP), Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK), and Trusted Enforcement Technologies (TEE) without the extra work of each.
- If ZK proof and TEE proof confirm the same state root (network state), finality is achieved instantly.
- If only one of them is confirmed, the state root is finalized in 7 days if the optimistic proof system (OP) confirms it unambiguously.
- There may be a Security Council in the system, which is authorized to update TEE proof logic without delay, and ZK or OP proof logic after 30 days.
Aggregation Layers
Here he introduces an important aspect that is also directly aimed at network integrity and security, namely the creation of standard mechanisms to aggregate multiple proofs into a single proof. It should provide
- Achieve the one-slot proofs required to use ZK-EVM at the L1 level.
- Detection and elimination of completeness bugs, as a result of overuse of complex computations.
- Provide a neutral aggregation mechanism that allows proofs from different L2 protocols to be aggregated, thereby reducing proof costs from 500,000 gaz per proof per application to a single aggregated proof.
Conclusion
Admittedly, it sounds like a pretty balanced solution, at least at first glance. It’s also a very timely decision, as competitors in the form of more efficient and scalable networks like Solana are actively developing, and their ecosystem is no longer as small compared to Ethereum as it was in the beginning (although Ethereum’s ecosystem is still a giant).
In order to remain the foundation for the transition to DeFi, Ethereum will have to work on efficiency, but it also goes without saying that with achieving the highest security. This proposal could potentially be a good choice, let’s see how it will be realized, if so.
