October 17th, 2024

Ethereum’s Evolution: Exploring the Impact of EIP-7781

Ethereum has consistently been a leader, driving forward the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts. The recent introduction of Ethereum Improvement Proposal 7781 (EIP-7781) by Ben Adams, co-founder of Illyriad Games, marks a significant moment in Ethereum’s ongoing evolution. This proposal, if approved, aims to reduce block times from 12 seconds to 8 seconds, adjust the latency of rollups, and increase the capacity of blobs. These changes could have a profound impact on Ethereum’s scalability, efficiency, and user experience.

Breaking Down EIP-7781: A Technical Perspective

EIP-7781 is a comprehensive proposal that addresses several key challenges facing the Ethereum network. At its core, the proposal seeks to cut block times from 12 seconds to 8 seconds. This reduction is expected to increase Ethereum’s mainnet throughput, allowing more transactions to be processed in a shorter period. This is crucial as Ethereum strives to meet the growing demand for decentralized applications and services.

The proposal aims to increase the latency of rollups, a layer-2 scaling solution that aggregates multiple transactions into a single batch to reduce congestion on the mainnet. By enhancing rollup latency, EIP-7781 seeks to make these layer-2 solutions more efficient and appealing to developers and users.

Another key aspect of the proposal is the expansion of blob capacity. Blobs are temporary data structures designed to reduce layer-2 network fees by optimizing data storage and retrieval. By increasing blob capacity, EIP-7781 aims to lower transaction costs, making Ethereum more accessible to a wider audience.

Enhancing Scalability

One of the most promising aspects of EIP-7781 is its potential to enhance Ethereum’s scalability. As the network continues to grow, scalability has become a critical concern. The current 12-second block time, while efficient, can still lead to congestion during periods of high demand. By reducing block times to 8 seconds, EIP-7781 could significantly increase the number of transactions processed per second, alleviating congestion and improving the overall user experience.

This increase in throughput is particularly important as Ethereum competes with other blockchain networks that offer faster transaction speeds. For example, Solana, a high-performance blockchain, boasts block times of around 400 milliseconds, enabling it to process thousands of transactions per second. While Ethereum’s proposed 8-second block time may not match Solana’s speed, it represents a substantial improvement that could help Ethereum maintain its competitive edge.

Balancing Security and Speed

While the potential benefits of EIP-7781 are clear, it’s important to consider the potential trade-offs. One major concern with reducing block times is the impact on network security. Shorter block times can increase the risk of orphaned blocks, which occur when two miners solve a block simultaneously, and only one block is added to the chain. This can lead to wasted computational resources and potential vulnerabilities.

To mitigate these risks, Ethereum developers must carefully balance the desire for increased throughput with the need to maintain robust security protocols. This may involve implementing additional measures to ensure the network remains secure even as block times are reduced.

The Role of Layer-2 Solutions

EIP-7781 also highlights the growing importance of layer-2 solutions in Ethereum’s scaling strategy. By increasing rollup latency and boosting blob capacity, the proposal aims to enhance the efficiency of these solutions, making them more attractive to developers and users.

Layer-2 solutions, such as Optimistic Rollups and zk-Rollups, have become essential components of Ethereum’s scaling roadmap. These solutions allow for off-chain transaction processing, reducing the load on the mainnet and enabling faster, cheaper transactions. By improving the performance of these solutions, EIP-7781 could help Ethereum scale more effectively, accommodating the growing demand for decentralized applications and services.

Economic Implications: Reducing Transaction Costs

One of the most appealing aspects of EIP-7781 is its potential to lower transaction costs on the Ethereum network. High gas fees have long been a pain point for Ethereum users, particularly during periods of high demand. By increasing blob capacity and optimizing data storage, the proposal aims to reduce layer-2 network fees, making Ethereum more accessible to a broader audience.

Lower transaction costs could have far-reaching economic implications, encouraging more users to participate in the Ethereum ecosystem and driving the adoption of decentralized applications. This, in turn, could lead to increased demand for Ether (ETH), the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, potentially driving up its value.

Community Reactions and Developer Insights

The introduction of EIP-7781 has sparked lively debate within the Ethereum community. Pseudonymous developer Cygaar described the proposal as the “first huge” step toward improving the base layer of the Ethereum network.

This sentiment reflects the growing recognition of the need to enhance Ethereum’s scalability and efficiency to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.

Not all community members are convinced of the proposal’s merits. Some critics argue that reducing block times could lead to increased centralization, as only the most powerful miners may be able to keep up with the faster pace. This could potentially undermine the decentralized ethos that underpins the Ethereum network.

To address these concerns, it is crucial for Ethereum developers to engage in open dialogue with the community, soliciting feedback and addressing potential risks. By fostering a collaborative approach, the Ethereum community can work together to ensure that EIP-7781 is implemented in a way that maximizes its benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks.

Looking Forward: The Future of Ethereum

As Ethereum continues to evolve, proposals like EIP-7781 play a critical role in shaping the network’s future. By addressing key challenges related to scalability, efficiency, and cost, this proposal has the potential to position Ethereum as a leading platform for decentralized applications and services.

The successful implementation of EIP-7781 will require careful consideration of the potential trade-offs involved. Balancing the desire for increased throughput with the need to maintain robust security protocols will be essential to ensuring the long-term success of the Ethereum network.

The proposal underscores the importance of layer-2 solutions in Ethereum’s scaling strategy. By enhancing the performance of these solutions, Ethereum can better accommodate the growing demand for decentralized applications, driving adoption and fostering innovation.

In conclusion, EIP-7781 represents a significant step forward for Ethereum, offering the potential to enhance scalability, reduce transaction costs, and improve the overall user experience. As the Ethereum community continues to debate the merits of this proposal, it is essential to engage in open dialogue, soliciting feedback and addressing potential risks. By doing so, Ethereum can continue to evolve, maintaining its position as a leading platform for decentralized innovation in the years to come.

Source: https://www.securities.io/ethereums-evolution-exploring-the-impact-of-eip-7781/

Anndy Lian

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com

j j j

July 8th, 2024

Interview/Anndy Lian – Ethereum’s Layer 2 Shift: The Future is Brimming with Potential

Ethereum’s infamous congestion is becoming a distant memory as Layer 2 solutions come online. The L2s are designed to unleash a new era of blockchain speed, affordability, and innovation, with the potential to reshape industries and revolutionize how we interact with digital assets.

We spoke with Anndy Lian, an influential blockchain expert, best-selling author, and dynamic business strategist, for a deep dive into this transformative technology.

The Shib: Ethereum’s scalability challenges have been a major roadblock to mass adoption. How do you see Layer 2 solutions not only addressing these issues but also unlocking new possibilities for the blockchain industry as a whole?

Lian: Ethereum’s sluggish transactions act like a toll booth on the information highway, slowing everyone down. Layer 2 solutions bypass this by processing transactions on a faster track, reducing wait times and costs. This opens the door for more users, new applications, and a wave of innovation on the blockchain. Beyond Ethereum, Layer 2 has the potential to connect different blockchains and fuel the growth of DeFi and NFTs by enabling faster and cheaper transactions.

Security and decentralization are still concerns with Layer 2, but the industry is actively working on preserving these core principles alongside scalability. This promising technology has the potential to unlock a new era of innovation and mass adoption for blockchain technology.

The Shib: Security and decentralization are often cited as concerns with Layer 2 solutions. How can we ensure that these scaling solutions maintain the core principles of blockchain technology while providing the benefits of speed and efficiency?

Lian: Layer 2 solutions address Ethereum’s scaling issues by offloading transactions, enabling faster speeds and lower fees. This paves the way for broader adoption and innovation in blockchain technology. However, concerns exist regarding security and decentralization. To address this, Layer 2 solutions inherit security from Layer 1 blockchains and utilize cryptographic techniques for verification. Decentralization is fostered through community governance and distributed validator networks. It’s a balancing act – some solutions prioritize speed with more centralized elements, while others aim for a more even spread. Understanding the specific security model of a Layer 2 solution is crucial. The future is bright. As Layer 2 technology matures, we can expect advancements in both security and decentralization, allowing them to unlock the true potential of blockchain technology.

The Shib: The Layer 2 landscape is rapidly evolving, with various technologies and projects vying for dominance. In your opinion, what are the key factors that will determine the success or failure of a Layer 2 solution, and which projects do you believe have the most potential to reshape the industry?

Lian: The Layer 2 race is heating up, with various technologies vying for dominance. Security, inherited from strong Layer 1s and proven verification methods, is paramount. But scalability is just as important – handling high transaction volume efficiently is crucial. Don’t forget decentralization – a distributed network with engaged community governance builds trust. User experience is king – if it’s complex, expensive, or slow, users won’t come. Finally, interoperability, the ability to connect with other blockchains, unlocks a world of possibilities.

Picking future winners is tough, but some contenders are making waves. Optimistic Rollups like Optimism and Arbitrum offer a good balance between security, scalability, and decentralization. ZK-Rollups like Loopring and Immutable X boast high scalability with strong security potential, but user experience and interoperability might need work. Validium chains like Polygon Hermez take scalability to the extreme, but their reliance on centralized validators raises decentralization concerns.

The winner will likely depend on the specific needs of the application and its users. We can expect further innovation and hybrid solutions that combine the strengths of different approaches as this exciting space matures.

The Shib: Beyond scalability, how do you envision Layer 2 solutions transforming the way we interact with blockchain technology? Can you provide specific examples of use cases or applications that you believe will be revolutionized by Layer 2?

Lian: Layer 2 solutions have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with blockchain technology beyond just speeding things up. Imagine buying your coffee with crypto without breaking the bank – Layer 2’s efficiency could make microtransactions a reality, paving the way for everyday blockchain use in areas like mobile payments and rewarding online creators. For gamers, clunky in-game economies plagued by slow transactions could be a thing of the past. Layer 2 could enable smooth purchases of virtual items and NFT trading within games, creating a more dynamic and immersive experience.

Decentralized social media platforms could leverage Layer 2 for efficient content creation, sharing, and data ownership. This could mean managing your online identity and data with greater ease and security. Even complex supply chains could benefit. Layer 2 solutions could facilitate transparent tracking of every step, from production to delivery, boosting trust and visibility for both businesses and consumers. These are just a glimpse of the possibilities. As Layer 2 matures, expect even more innovative applications to emerge, transforming how we interact with and utilize blockchain technology in our daily lives. The future is brimming with potential.

The Shib: What advice would you give to both investors and developers who are interested in exploring the Layer 2 space? What are the key considerations they should keep in mind when evaluating or building on these solutions?

Lian: Entering the Layer 2 arena is exciting, but caution is key for both investors and developers. Investors, diversify! Explore established players alongside promising newcomers. Security is king – understand how Layer 2 solutions inherit security and verify transactions. Look for scalability, smooth user experience, and low fees. Interoperability is a plus, opening future doors. Finally, a strong community and active development inspire confidence.

For developers, choose the right tool for the job. Align your project’s needs with a Layer 2 solution’s strengths in security, scalability, and function. Stay ahead of the curve – the Layer 2 landscape is dynamic. Security is paramount – prioritize robust measures to safeguard user funds and data. User experience is king – make interacting with your dApp seamless. Embrace interoperability to reach a wider audience and unlock future potential. Layer 2 is young, so do your research, be cautious, and adapt as the technology evolves. With careful consideration, both investors and developers can shape the future of this transformative space.

As Layer 2 solutions continue to evolve and mature, the future of blockchain technology is undeniably bright. Anndy Lian’s insights underscore the immense potential of Layer 2 solutions to break down barriers, democratize access, and unleash a wave of innovation that extends far beyond Ethereum.

As this transformative technology matures, we stand on the brink of a new era—one where blockchain seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, powering everything from microtransactions to decentralized social networks and beyond. The future is not just bright; it’s decentralized, scalable, and brimming with possibilities. Layer 2 isn’t just an evolution; it’s a revolution that promises to reshape the digital landscape and empower individuals in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.

Source: https://news.shib.io/2024/07/03/interview-anndy-lian-ethereums-layer-2-shift-the-future-is-brimming-with-potential/

Anndy Lian

www.anndy.com

j j j

June 29th, 2024

Why Ethereum is Not a Commodity – Opinion

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has been at the heart of regulatory debates for several years. The key question remains: Is Ethereum a commodity, a security, or something else entirely? In this opinion piece, I will argue why Ethereum does not meet the criteria to be considered a commodity. Instead, I believe Ethereum is best understood as a utility token.

To classify Ethereum as a commodity, it would need to meet specific criteria, which it does not. Firstly, Ethereum was launched with pre-mined tokens. During its initial coin offering (ICO) in 2014, 60 million Ether (ETH) were sold to the public, while 12 million were allocated to the development fund. This pre-mining activity is more characteristic of securities, as it involves an initial distribution controlled by the developers.

Additionally, Ethereum’s development roadmap is highly structured and transparent. The Ethereum Foundation and core development teams, such as those within ConsenSys, outline detailed plans for future upgrades, including the significant transition from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) with Ethereum 2.0. Commodities typically do not have such centralized and planned development trajectories.

Core developers in the Ethereum ecosystem play a crucial role in leading protocol changes. Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, and other prominent developers consistently propose and implement updates. This centralization of decision-making contrasts with the decentralized nature of commodities, which do not rely on a core team for their evolution.

Furthermore, the Ethereum ecosystem has substantial backing from venture capitalists (VCs) and institutional investors. These stakeholders often influence the direction and development of the network, similar to how shareholders might influence a corporation. Such dynamics are more aligned with securities, where investor interests are paramount, rather than commodities, which are typically free of such concentrated influence.

Ethereum’s tokens were also sold both publicly and privately, with the ICO being a primary example. This method of distribution is characteristic of securities offerings, where tokens are sold to raise capital for development and operations. Commodities do not usually undergo such sale processes before their availability on the market.

The transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) with Ethereum 2.0 raises questions about whether this mechanism affects its classification. PoS operates on a system where validators are chosen to create new blocks based on the number of tokens they hold and are willing to “stake” as collateral. While PoS changes the consensus mechanism, it does not fundamentally alter the nature of Ethereum’s distribution or governance.

To determine whether Ethereum is a security, we can apply the Howey Test, a legal standard that assesses whether a transaction qualifies as an “investment contract.” The Howey Test consists of four criteria:

An investment of money,
In a common enterprise,
With an expectation of profits,
Derived from the efforts of others.

Ether was purchased with the expectation that it would increase in value. The funds raised from the ICO were pooled to develop the Ethereum network, indicating a common enterprise. Many investors bought Ether with the expectation of profiting from its appreciation. The success and value of Ethereum are heavily dependent on the efforts of the core developers and the broader Ethereum community. Based on these criteria, one could argue that Ethereum resembles a security more than a commodity. However, the decentralized nature and utility of the Ethereum network differentiate it from traditional securities.

The classification of Ethereum as a security or commodity has significant implications, particularly in the United States, where the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been scrutinizing cryptocurrencies. In 2018, former SEC Director of Corporate Finance William Hinman suggested that Ethereum might not be a security due to its decentralized structure. However, more recent statements from SEC officials imply that this view could change as the regulatory landscape evolves. Outside the United States, regulatory approaches vary. For instance, in Switzerland, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) categorizes tokens based on their function and transferability, often distinguishing between payment tokens, utility tokens, and asset tokens. Ethereum’s broad utility within decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts aligns it more closely with a utility token under FINMA’s framework.

A utility token is designed to provide access to a product or service within a blockchain ecosystem. Ethereum’s primary function is to facilitate operations within its decentralized platform. It powers dApps, executes smart contracts, and serves as “gas” to pay for transactions on the network. These functionalities underscore its utility rather than its investment potential. Utility tokens are not typically classified as securities because they are not primarily bought for investment purposes but rather for their inherent utility within a blockchain ecosystem. This distinction is crucial in understanding Ethereum’s role and value.

The classification of Ethereum as a security, commodity, or utility token has profound implications for its regulatory treatment and adoption. In the United States, securities are subject to stringent regulations, including registration requirements and investor protections. If Ethereum were classified as a security, it could face significant legal and operational hurdles, potentially stifling innovation and growth. Conversely, if Ethereum is recognized as a utility token, it may benefit from a more favorable regulatory environment, fostering broader adoption and development. This distinction also matters globally, as different jurisdictions have varying regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies.

In conclusion, Ethereum does not meet the criteria to be classified as a commodity. Its pre-mined tokens, structured development roadmap, centralized leadership, venture capital backing, and method of token distribution align it more closely with characteristics of securities. However, its extensive utility within the blockchain ecosystem and the decentralized nature of its operations suggest it should be classified as a utility token. The debate over Ethereum’s classification is not merely academic; it has real-world implications for developers, investors, and regulators. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize Ethereum’s unique position in the cryptocurrency space and advocate for a regulatory framework that acknowledges its utility and fosters innovation. Ultimately, the classification of Ethereum as a utility token offers the best understanding of its role and value, balancing regulatory oversight with the need to support the growth and development of decentralized technologies. I am still looking forward to Ethereum Spot ETFs in the US soon.

Source: https://www.securities.io/why-ethereum-is-not-a-commodity-opinion/