Ethereum: Can blocks remain restricted to 1 MB forever?
The Ethereum network, developed on blockchain technology, is not only a decentralized cryptocurrency platform, but also a complex system with various security layers. One aspect of this complexity is the size of the block, which has been the subject of discussion between developers and consumers since its inception. Can blocks be kept for 1 MB of centuries? Let’s dive into the economy of this issue.
Economy for a block size
2017 The Ethereum team presented the idea of a block size limit as part of the Bitcoin protocol (block size limit) solution. This limit has been set as 4 MB and is still present today, albeit with certain modifications. However, the upper limit of the block size was not a straight implementation.
2017 Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum, said that the upper limit of the block size would gradually be gradually increased on the net if necessary. He also proposed to use the work proof (POW) on the basis of a consensus algorithm to limit the number of operations per second (TPS), which in turn limits the block size.
Block size cap leaving 1 MB
case
There are some arguments that support a block -sized cap for forever:
* Price : Increased calculation power required to dig “Ethereum” would cause high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, a study by the University of Cambridge estimates that digging Ethereum consumes about 150 MW of electricity.
* Network Stability : Block size limit helps maintain network stability to prevent large, ineffective operations. This stability is particularly important for high -flow networks such as Ethereum Mainnet.
* Operations capacity : at a larger block -size top (eg 1 MB), more users can be involved in the network without damaging decentralization and safety.
Case when not leaving a block -size cap at 1MB
On the other hand, there are some arguments that indicate that the block size cap is 1 MB, is not promising:
* Price : Although the increased calculation power needed to dig “Ethereum” would still be significant, it may not be enough to justify the drastic reduction of the block size cap. The Bitmain, one of the world’s leading mining manufacturers, estimates the study that the reduction of a block -size cover from 1 MB to 0.5MB will require about $ 15 million mining.
* Network Effect
: As more and more users are connected to the network, increased demand for calculation power and energy consumption will increase. Too much reduction of the block size cap will reduce the bandwidth of the net and eventually damage the user’s experience.
* Economic incentives : Ethereum ecosystem highly depends on the idea of proof (POW), based on difficulties in solving complex mathematical problems. Smaller block size would reduce rewards of mining and increase consumer price.
Potential solution
So what’s the best attitude? One possible solution could be a gradual reduction of a block -size cap over time. This would allow both mining and consumers to adapt to changing network conditions, while reducing the impact on the overall security of the Ethereum network.
Another option is to investigate alternative consensus algorithms, which are less energy -intensive, such as proof of stock (POS) or delegated proof (DPO). These alternatives could reduce the calculation power needed to dig Ethereum without damaging decentralization and safety.
Conclusion
Although there are reasonable arguments on both sides, it is clear that the Ethereum network is not developed for a 1 MB unit for centuries. However, researching alternative solutions and gradual reduction of the upper limit of the block size can help relieve potential problems and ensure long -term sustainability of the network.
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