Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has recently unveiled plans for a significant upgrade to the blockchain’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system, known as “The Verge.”
In a blog post shared on Oct. 23, Buterin highlighted the current challenges faced by users running Ethereum nodes. Despite the technical feasibility of operating a node on a standard laptop, the data requirements of the system make it impractical for many individuals. The current setup demands hundreds of gigabytes of data to verify blocks, with this data growing by approximately 30 GB each year. As a result, the high storage needs limit the number of users who can run fully verifying nodes on Ethereum.
The proposed Verge upgrade aims to address this issue by introducing “stateless client verification.” This innovative approach allows devices to validate blockchain data without storing the entire dataset locally. Buterin envisions a future where fully verifying the chain is so computationally affordable that every mobile wallet, browser wallet, and even smartwatch can do it by default.
Initially centered around the adoption of Verkle trees, a data structure that enables more compact proofs and stateless verification of Ethereum blocks, The Verge has evolved to incorporate additional elements. The upgrade now seeks to enhance Ethereum verification by leveraging stateless validation techniques and advanced cryptographic proofs like SNARKs (Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge). SNARKs enable parties to prove possession of specific information without revealing details, facilitating swift verification of complex transactions on the blockchain. Buterin believes that integrating SNARKs could pave the way for Ethereum’s blockchain to be verified on small devices like smartwatches, opening up opportunities for broader network participation.
Stateless verification eliminates the need for nodes to store all blockchain data, with each block containing a “witness” comprising essential data and cryptographic proofs for validation. This transition to stateless clients is critical for reducing storage requirements, enhancing blockchain performance, and improving the overall user experience. It also makes solo staking more accessible by lowering barriers to running Ethereum nodes.
To implement these changes, Buterin suggests replacing Ethereum’s current state structure, the Merkle Patricia tree, with either Verkle trees or STARKed binary hash trees. STARKs, similar to SNARKs but offering scalability and security advantages, could help Ethereum overcome existing proof system limitations.
The Verge upgrade represents a significant step towards making Ethereum more efficient, scalable, and user-friendly. By leveraging stateless verification and advanced cryptographic proofs, the blockchain aims to enhance performance and accessibility, ultimately driving broader adoption and participation in the network.