Key Takeaways
- “Lean Ethereum” is targeting quantum resistance, 10,000 TPS, and 100% uptime for the Layer-1.
- The proposal suggests that the network rely more on hash-based cryptography.
- Ethereum celebrated its 10th anniversary on July 30.
An effort to make Ethereum quantum-resistant could see the network scale to new heights and handle 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) on its mainnet and 1 million TPS on its Layer-2s.
Lean Ethereum
Long-time Ethereum Foundation researcher, Justin Drake, has revealed a plan to make the network faster and significantly more secure with his ambitious proposal.
“Lean Ethereum is more than a blueprint for hardening and scaling Ethereum. More than just doubling down on security, decentralisation, and cutting-edge cryptography. It is an aesthetic,” Drake writes.
The vision from Drake posits that quantum computing poses a threat to the network’s long-term success.
Though the tech can’t break blockchains just yet, he anticipates developments over the next ten years.
Through “Lean Ethereum”, Drake proposes some novel methods to make the network quantum-resistant. Which, in turn, could see the network scale to new heights. He writes:
“Ethereum is unique. 100% uptime since the genesis block, unparalleled client diversity, and $130 billion in economic security (35.7 million staked ETH x $3,700 per token)—perhaps soon to reach $1 trillion.”
“Lean Ethereum” will aim to scale to 1 billion gas per second and 10,000 TPS on its Layer-2 mainnet through vertical scaling. It’ll target 1 million TPS on Layer-2 through horizontal scaling.
Therefore, he adds, “moon math” is possible, offering that real-time zero-knowledge virtual machines (zkVMs) can be leveraged for execution, and improve data throughput via data availability sampling.
“A delicious cherry on top: full chain verification across every browser, wallet, phone,” Drake adds.
Lean Upgrades
Drake’s proposal consists of three updates across L1 sublayers.
The “lean consensus”, or Beacon Chain 2.0, will toughen up the Beacon Chain for “ultimate security and decentralization”, and also target rapid finality.
Then there’s Blobs 2.0, or “lean blobs”, which he describes as “post-quantum blobs” that are significantly smaller for calldata preservation and speed up throughput.
Finally, there’s “lean execution,” which is Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) 2.0, a “minimal SNARK-friendly” instruction set that could provide additional performance boosts and preserve EVM compatibility.
He also argues that hash-based cryptography is “emerging” as a great foundation for the lean network.
Relying on hash-based signatures, hash-native zkVMs, and hash-rooted data commitments could be the way forward for the network.
Eddie is a gaming and crypto writer at CCN. Covering the often weird and wonderful world of Web3 with an adoring, but skeptical eye.
Prior to CCN, Eddie has spent the past seven years working his way through the crypto, finance, and technology industry. He began with PR and journalism with Bitcoin PR Buzz and BitcoinNews.com, eventually working his way to become a copywriter with a dozen firms, including the likes of Polkadot before returning to journalism in 2023.
Having studied Radio production and journalism at University in the UK, Eddie spent a few years making podcasts and presenting on a local London radio station as he built up his writing chops.
A lifelong skateboarder, Eddie can often be found at the skatepark or touring the streets looking for something new to try. That, or kicking back playing JRPGs on his original PSP.
