Ethereum L1 upgrade to zkEVM: Technical Path and Ecological Impact

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zkEVM on Ethereum L1: Exploring Future Possibilities

Many people mistakenly believe that Ethereum can only be scaled through L2. This view may stem from an excessive focus on discussions about L2 Rollups, while neglecting the L1 expansion roadmap. With the maturity and widespread application of L2 technology, it is time to reassess the potential of L1 scaling.

First, it is important to clarify that ETH, as a cryptocurrency asset, has a wide range of expansion pathways. It can be expanded through L1, sidechains, other L1s, L2s, and class L2 structures (such as validum and optimistic chains), and even centralized services. Although L1 and mature L2s provide the best native security guarantees, other solutions can also expand ETH or Ether assets under different security assumptions.

It is worth noting that Bitcoin is a typical example of scaling achieved primarily through centralized services, and it still maintains its dominant position in the industry. This indicates that the key to asset value lies in gaining the recognition and trust of the wealthiest groups.

However, the scaling of ETH is not the same as the scaling of the Ethereum network. For example, while some chains have expanded on Ethereum's technology stack and established bridges with ETH, this does not mean they have scaled the Ethereum network itself.

The idea of upgrading Ethereum L1 to zkEVM is an exciting possibility. The application of ZKP (Zero-Knowledge Proof) in blockchain scaling has a long history, possibly originating in discussions about Bitcoin. With the practical implementation of various zkEVM projects, this technology has rapidly developed within the Ethereum ecosystem.

The implementation path of the L1 zkEVM upgrade may include the following stages:

  1. Test Type-2/2.5 and Type-1 zkEVM rollup in the production environment.
  2. Implement key upgrades such as EIP-4844, statelessness, and PBS.
  3. Deploy the Enshrined zkEVM bridge, allowing Type-1 zkEVM to run on top of L1.
  4. The L1 execution layer undergoes a zkEVM upgrade, with builders generating proofs and submitting them to the consensus layer.
  5. Retain the Enshrined zkEVM bridge above the L1 execution layer, or move it to the consensus layer.

This upgrade will bring significant performance improvements, allowing for the verification of a large number of transactions, including multi-layer structures such as L2 and L3. However, the initial zkEVM may face issues such as slow speed and limited functionality, and the upgrade cycle may also be lengthy.

It is worth noting that even with the implementation of L1 zkEVM, traditional L2 will still play an important role in innovation and flexibility. The future ecosystem may include traditional L2, hybrid solutions, Enshrined L2, and Enshrined L1 rollups, providing users with diverse choices.

Although the implementation of L1 zkEVM still has uncertainties, this vision is undoubtedly exciting. Regardless of the final outcome, the development of the Ethereum ecosystem will have a profound impact on blockchain technology.

ETH-2.6%
L1-1.4%
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NotFinancialAdvicevip
· 08-19 23:55
You don't understand L1 at all.
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ser_we_are_ngmivip
· 08-19 20:19
Why is zk so popular? I don't understand.
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NFTArtisanHQvip
· 08-19 18:37
fascinating how zkevm on l1 mirrors duchamp's readymades... paradigm shift in computational aesthetics tbh
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RektRecordervip
· 08-17 05:27
The size of the future indeed depends on L1.
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NightAirdroppervip
· 08-17 05:27
Who still remembers L1?
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DuskSurfervip
· 08-17 05:27
Just know that炒l2 is a Rug Pull.
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TooScaredToSellvip
· 08-17 05:15
Is l2 stopping here?
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