Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has put forward a proposal to make Ethereum's proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism more efficient and user-friendly.
On December 27th, he suggested a method to significantly reduce the number of signatures required by validators, thereby easing the network's load.
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Ethereum's network, supporting about 895,000 validators, aims for broad decentralization and allows public participation in staking. However, the sheer number of validators necessitates processing approximately 28,000 signatures per slot, which Buterin described as a "very high load."
This complexity leads to challenges like limited quantum resistance, complicated forking processes, and the need for scaling signatures through zero-knowledge proofs (SNARKs).
Buterin also pointed out that the current system doesn't fully enable average individuals to participate due to the high minimum requirement of 32 Ether (ETH) to become a validator.
To address these issues, he proposed reducing the signatures per slot to around 8,192 from the current 28,000. This reduction would simplify the technical aspects, enhance quantum resistance, and maintain a high total of slashable ETH (1-2 million ETH), which is critical for ensuring validator compliance.
Buterin proposed three strategies for this transformation: using decentralized staking pools, implementing a dual-tier staking system with "heavy" and "light" categories, and introducing rotating participation with accountable committees. These solutions aim to make the digital signature load manageable and simplify protocol and infrastructure development.
Buterin emphasized that this change would stabilize the future signature load of the Ethereum protocol, making it easier for developers to scale the number of signatures-per-slot in the future.
This proposal aligns with his earlier concerns expressed in May about the risks of overextending Ethereum's consensus beyond its primary functions of block validation and network security.
Buterin's proposal represents a strategic move towards optimizing Ethereum's PoS mechanism. Ethereum can balance decentralization, security, and efficiency by reducing the number of required signatures. This change, if implemented, could mark a significant step forward in Ethereum's ongoing evolution, ensuring that it remains robust and scalable as it continues to grow and adapt to the demands of the blockchain world.
