Introduction
At the 2021 World Blockchain Conference in Hangzhou, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined Ethereum's roadmap post-merge. He emphasized Ethereum's dual-phase vision: rapid short-term enhancements followed by long-term stability.
Key Takeaways
- Post-Merge Priorities: Minor upgrades, sharding implementation, and Rollup integration aim for 100,000 TPS.
- Consensus Algorithm: Long-term focus on zero-knowledge proofs and quantum-resistant cryptography.
- Layer Evolution: Layer 1 ensures decentralization; Layer 2 drives innovation.
Immediate Post-Merge Upgrades
Cleanup Fork
The merge will be streamlined, deferring features like withdrawal enablement and technical refinements (e.g., removing ETH1 data voting, transitioning to SSZ transaction formats).
Sharding Implementation
- 64 Shards, each with 512KB blocks, will expand data availability for Rollups.
- Projected scalability: 10,000–100,000 TPS via Rollup optimization.
👉 Explore Ethereum’s scalability solutions
Security Enhancements
- Data Availability Checks: Nodes verify shard data without full downloads.
- Single Secret Leader Election: Obfuscates block proposers to deter attacks.
- Verifiable Delay Functions (VDFs): Generate on-chain randomness.
Mid-to-Long-Term Developments
Consensus & Protocol Simplification
- ZK-SNARKs: Verify block validity efficiently, enhancing node security.
- Quantum Resistance: SHA-3 hashing and STARKs replace vulnerable cryptography.
Execution Layer Improvements
| Feature | Impact |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------|
| 32-Byte Addresses | Enhanced security |
| Verkle Trees | Stateless client support |
| Account Abstraction | Smart contract wallet usability |
Future Vision: Stable L1, Innovative L2
Ethereum’s strategy balances Layer 1 stability with Layer 2 experimentation. Post-merge upgrades target:
- Simpler protocols (e.g., EVM tweaks).
- Higher security (e.g., anti-quantum measures).
- Lower costs via Rollups (e.g., Optimism’s Uniswap integration).
👉 Learn about Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions
FAQs
Q: When will Ethereum 2.0 launch fully?
A: The merge is expected within 6–12 months, followed by phased upgrades.
Q: How will sharding improve scalability?
A: By increasing data space for Rollups, enabling ~100x more transactions.
Q: Is Ethereum quantum-resistant?
A: Future upgrades will integrate SHA-3 and STARKs to counter quantum threats.
Final Notes
Ethereum’s roadmap reflects a commitment to scalability, security, and decentralization. As Layer 2 solutions mature, expect faster, cheaper transactions and a richer ecosystem.
Risk Warning: Cryptocurrency investments are volatile; capital loss is possible. Assess risks carefully.