• Ethereum upgrades introduce a hybrid proof verification system that combines optimistic proofs, zero-knowledge proofs, and Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) hardware to ensure immediate finalization.
  • The proposal outlines a ZK proof aggregation layer to lower gas fees and computational costs across L2 networks.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has put forward an exhaustive plan that aims to enhance security and finality in Layer 2 (L2) networks. His latest proposal, “A Simple L2 Security and Finalization Roadmap,” outlines three primary methods of enhancing Ether’s scalability and transactional speed.

Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin Proposes Major Changes

One of the most crucial components of the roadmap that is suggested is increasing blockchain data availability. Buterin identifies the upcoming Pectra upgrade , which will increase the Blob space allocation to six units. This will be complemented by future upgrades, potentially up to 72 units with the Fusaka upgrade later this year or incrementally growing to a band of 12 to 24 units.

All the upgrades aim to accommodate higher transaction loads so that L2 rollups can operate effectively and efficiently. Another significant aspect of the proposal involves utilizing a hybrid proof verification system with a combination of multiple security features.

In this approach, the use of a mixture of optimistic proofs, zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, and Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) hardware-based verifications is applied. Once the ZK and TEE methods successfully verify a transaction, finalization is immediate.

However, still, in case of inconsistencies, transactions enter a seven-day optimistic challenge period when the network will check and settle any potential security issues. Where proof logic adjustments are warranted, a security committee is authorized to make changes subject to a 30-day mandatory delay, another safeguard against possible exploits.

A Look At ZK Proof Aggregation Layer Proposal

To further enhance Ethereum’s L2 ecosystem even more, Buterin also proposed the creation of a standardized ZK proof aggregation layer. This project seeks to develop a shared protocol permitting a plurality of applications to verify transactions collectively and share the corresponding computational costs.

With aggregation proofs and reducing gas charges for separate verifications, which are estimated at around 500,000 Gas per proof, this system aims to lower costs. It seeks to make zero-knowledge verification more affordable and accessible across different L2 solutions and privacy protocols.

One of the overall goals of the roadmap is near-instant bridging between chains with the ideal aim of settling transactions in under an hour, as mentioned in our previous post. In the short term, the hybrid proof paradigm will deliver the acceleration without compromising security. Ultimately, Buterin envisions devolving away from reliance on TEE with the eventual long-term goal of achieving a completely decentralized, trustless, but highly optimized L2 setup.

Such proposed upgrades are to become the focus of Ethereum development. These upgrades necessitate an even more secure and scalable platform that can accommodate increased demand without compromising high-security guarantees.