Ethereum (ETH) Developers Are Simplifying the Core Protocol to Improve Scalability and Resilience

Ethereum (ETH) developers are engaged in a significant endeavor to simplify the core protocol, aiming for enhanced resilience and scalability. This push is focused on reducing the complexity of the network, which in the long term could lead to high development overheads and a large attack surface.

The goal is to achieve a leaner design that aligns more closely with the philosophy of Bitcoin (BTC).

At the heart of this shift is the recognition that simplicity is not merely about fewer lines of code, but rather about rendering the protocol more comprehensible, robust, and decentralized.

Now, Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, is advocating for a substantial redesign that will restructure both the consensus and execution layers, paving the way for a more sustainable future for the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency.

Simplifying L1

A key proposal is the “beam chain,” which focuses on streamlining the consensus mechanism. The plan pivots from the current epoch-slot system to a “3-slot finality” model, not only enhancing clarity but also reducing code complexity.

This new model employs fewer active validators and introduces STARK-based aggregation for heightened network safety and efficiency. These changes permit Ethereum to adopt a leaner peer-to-peer architecture, reducing reliance on specialized nodes.

Moreover, simplified validator processes for exits and key changes lower participation barriers, aligning with Ethereum’s aim of minimal trust and maximum access.

Execution Layer Transformation: From EVM to RISC-V

Ethereum’s execution model is also slated for a major update in these proposals. Proponents of the change, including Buterin, view the current Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with its 256-bit architecture as inefficient for future network demands.

Buterin suggests replacing the EVM with a RISC-V-based architecture or a zero-knowledge-friendly virtual machine (ZK-VM). This proposed change offers efficiency gains calculated at over 100x in specific operations and drastically reduces interpreter overhead.

Crucially, existing smart contracts will remain compatible as they will be run through an on-chain RISC-V-based EVM interpreter. This mechanism preserves backward compatibility while also reducing consensus-critical code and opening up Ethereum development to mainstream programming languages.

Shared Standards: Trees, Serialization, and Erasure Codes

Beyond the VM, the simplification effort includes unifying Ethereum’s underlying data standards. For instance, standardizing data serialization using SSZ (Simple Serialize) and adopting a single Merkle tree format across the protocol will eliminate redundant code and boost efficiency.

Similarly, utilizing one universal erasure code standard for data availability, network broadcasting, and history storage will enhance system reliability and reduce development costs.