Buterin believes the time-honored zkEVM method, which returns functions to L1, is the next course of action as “thin clients” go from strength to strength.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has advocated for the need to remove some features from Layer 2 networks or rollups and return them to the Ethereum main chain. This “zkEVM” (zero-knowledge Ethereum virtual machine) “enshrined” method is the exact opposite of his previous campaign from years ago, which sought to transfer the computational load from the Ethereum main chain to Layer 2 networks.
Buterin previously touted a major support for Layer 2 networks that pool transactions for off-chain processing before returning them to the main chain. Adopting Layer 2 networks, a proven method for improving scalability, was an important point Buterin highlighted at a 2020 conference when network rates were skyrocketing.
These Layer 2 services, including zk-rollups, come from several projects that have seen some success in decongesting the Ethereum blockchain. However, they may be in danger if Buterin’s proposals gain widespread popularity and adoption.
Enshrined zkEVM Method
In a recent blog post, Buterin points out the importance of thin clients, which are lightweight nodes running simplified client software. These thin clients request data only when it is needed rather than independently verifying changes made to blockchain data by retaining their copy of the data.
Generally, the light client, or light node, downloads the actual contents of the block only occasionally, and mostly only processes the block headers. Buterin maintains that over time, especially as their features and data increase, these light clients will become more powerful and will be able to fully verify Layer 1 transactions like Layer 2 networks.
“At that point, the Ethereum network will effectively have a built-in ZK-EVM,” Buterin wrote. “Zk,” or zero-knowledge proof, is a cryptographic protocol that allows one party to prove to another that a transaction is correct, without providing any specific details of the transaction.
On the other hand, EVM is the complete Ethereum engine. It boosts the environment and manages the blockchain, enabling smart contract functions. The EVM is an essential part of the client software used to run Ethereum nodes. Layer 2 networks like Polygon, Scroll, and Matter Labs use zero-knowledge proof.
Some of these platforms are important stakeholders in decentralized finance (DeFi), which Ethereum drives more than any other blockchain. Consequently, these platforms could lose some strength due to the zkEVM method enshrined by Buterin.
Layer 2 Roles After Deployment
Buterin then explains the role of Layer 2 projects if zk-EVMs are enshrined and become part of the original protocol. According to him, these projects “would still be responsible for many important functions.” Some of these features include fast pre-commits, MEV mitigation strategies, and EVM extensions.
Additionally, Buterin says the established zkEVM method would also handle “user- and developer-facing conveniences.” He wrote the following:
“Layer 2 teams work hard to attract users and projects into their ecosystems and make them feel welcome; they are compensated for this by capturing MEV and congestion rates within their networks. This relationship would continue.”
Buterin’s comments on Ethereum come as the blockchain’s native Ether token rises 4.6% to $2,275, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Last week, ETH hit an 18-month high of $2,353, with hopeful investors targeting a target of $3,500.
By Audy Castaneda
