New features like stateless verification and Verkle trees aim to enhance security and allow nodes on everyday devices.
What is ‘The Verge’ Upgrade?
Ethereum is planning a new upgrade called ‘The Verge,’ which aims to make the network more secure and accessible. This upgrade will allow nodes, which are essential for verifying transactions, to run on everyday devices like smartphones and smartwatches. This means that more people can participate in the Ethereum network without needing expensive hardware.
How Does ‘Stateless Verification’ Work?
The key to making this possible is a concept called ‘stateless verification.’ Normally, nodes need to store large amounts of data to verify transactions. However, with stateless verification, nodes can verify blocks without storing all that data. This significantly reduces the hardware requirements, making it easier for users to run nodes on smaller devices.
Introducing Verkle Trees
Another important part of ‘The Verge’ upgrade is the implementation of Verkle trees. These are a type of data structure that helps minimize the size of data proofs. This means that nodes can process transactions more efficiently and securely. Ethereum is also exploring other options, like STARK-based trees, to further enhance security.
Adjustments to Gas Fees
To support these changes, Ethereum will adjust gas fees through Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP)-4762. Gas fees are the costs users pay to process transactions on the network. By adjusting these fees, Ethereum aims to make the network more scalable and efficient.
Encouraging Wider Participation
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, also suggests lowering the validator threshold to 1 ETH. This means that more people can become validators, who are responsible for confirming transactions and maintaining the network. By lowering the barrier to entry, Ethereum hopes to encourage wider participation and decentralization.
