Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin published a blog post that shows a roadmap for the Ethereum network on June 30, which proposes a shift away from the existing epoch-and-slot mechanism. In his detailed post, Buterin introduced the “Secure Speed Finality” (SSF) mechanism, which aims to significantly improve transaction times, potentially reducing latency to hundreds of milliseconds or less.
Ethereum Eyes Single-Slot Finality
Now, the Ethereum Gasper consensus uses a slot-and-epoch system where validators send votes every 12 seconds in 32 slots. Two epochs later, this is accompanied by a PBFT-like consensus algorithm, which takes approximately 12.8 minutes and assures the finality of the process. Nonetheless, in this way, the system is subject to two particular problems: the difficult aspects and the slow closing period, which may harm users.
To address these concerns, Buterin proposes a single-slot finality mechanism akin to the Tendermint consensus. The blockchain system enables Block-N to be finalized before the making of Block N+1.
Related to Tendermint, Ethereum would still offer the “inactivity leak” concept, which allows the blockchain to keep running and thus recover if close to one-third of the validators go offline. Buterin has named this solution a “Secure Speed Finality” (SSF) mechanism.
Challenges With the SSF Mechanism
Buterin also highlighted many key challenges when it comes to the implementation of the SSF mechanism. A linear plan of action would necessitate each stakeholder of Ethereum to broadcast two messages at regular intervals of 12 seconds, closing in a significant amount of cargo on the network. In his blog post, Buterin pointed out:
“While there are clever ideas to mitigate this issue, including the recent Orbit SSF proposal, it remains a challenge. Although SSF significantly improves user experience by accelerating ‘finality,’ it doesn’t eliminate the need for users to wait 5-20 seconds.”
To address this, Buterin proposes using Orbit-like technologies to reduce the number of validators who sign per slot, which could lower the minimum staking requirement by 32 ETH. It might lengthen the slot time to 16 seconds, but such predictions are inaccurate. “Designs like Orbit SSF are very recent, suggesting that the design space of slot-and-epoch designs where something like Orbit SSF is the epoch is still quite under-explored.”
Ethereum developers are still finding a better solution to finalize problems. Last month, Buterin reported on Ethereum Layer-2 updates and noted that Layer-2 platforms are the most active for the first time.
Additionally, the Ethereum Layer-2 project Blast recently revealed the launch of its native token and a BLAST airdrop, as well as the ever-growing momentum in the ecosystem on ChainLink.
Buterin’s SSF roadmap is a big step for the Ethereum network, ensuring faster transactions and a smoother consensus process. As the Ethereum community continues to innovate and refine these proposals, the network’s future looks increasingly robust and user-friendly.
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