Overview of Ethereum Networks
Similar to traditional product environments, Ethereum as a decentralized platform operates across multiple networks. Ethereum has undergone significant changes, including a hard fork and numerous version updates, each introducing new development and test environments. These networks are distinguished by unique ChainIDs and Network IDs.
Below is a comprehensive list of Ethereum ecosystem networks with their respective chain details:
| Chain ID | Network Name | Abbreviation | Chain | Network | Network ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ethereum Mainnet | eth | ETH | mainnet | 1 |
| 3 | Ropsten Testnet | rop | ETH | ropsten | 3 |
| 4 | Rinkeby Testnet | rin | ETH | rinkeby | 4 |
| 5 | Görli Testnet | gor | ETH | goerli | 5 |
| 42 | Kovan Testnet | kov | ETH | kovan | 42 |
| 61 | Ethereum Classic | etc | ETC | mainnet | 1 |
| 100 | xDAI Chain | xdai | XDAI | mainnet | 1 |
| 1313114 | Ether-1 | etho | ETHO | mainnet | 1313114 |
Network Descriptions
Active Test Networks
- Ropsten: Uses Proof-of-Work (PoW), closely mimicking the mainnet environment. Launched in November 2016.
- Kovan: Exclusively supported by Parity clients, employing Proof-of-Authority (PoA) consensus.
- Rinkeby: Compatible with Geth clients, also uses PoA consensus.
Deprecated Networks
- Olympic: Early pre-release testnet (no longer active).
- Morden: Ethereum's first testnet (discontinued).
Key Considerations for Developers
- ChainID vs. Network ID: While often identical, these serve different purposes—ChainID prevents replay attacks, whereas Network ID identifies the chain.
- Consensus Mechanisms: Choose networks aligning with your project's needs (PoW for decentralization, PoA for speed).
- Tooling Support: Verify client compatibility (e.g., Geth for Rinkeby, Parity for Kovan).
FAQ Section
Q: Which testnet is closest to Ethereum Mainnet?
A: Ropsten, as it uses PoW like Mainnet.
Q: Why use PoA networks like Kovan?
A: Faster block times and predictable gas costs, ideal for rapid iteration.
Q: How do I select the right ChainID?
A: Match the ID to your target network—consult the table above for reference.
Q: Are deprecated networks still accessible?
A: No, transactions on Olympic/Morden are no longer processed.
This guide provides essential insights for navigating Ethereum's multi-network ecosystem. For real-time network status and tools, visit OKX.
**Optimizations Applied**:
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