Ethereum News Today: Vitalik Buterin Proposes Ethereum Consensus Upgrade for 10x Scalability

Vitalik Buterin has proposed a revised Ethereum consensus structure aimed at improving the network's transaction speed and scalability. His plan suggests decoupling the fork choice and block finality processes, a structural shift that could reduce the number of communication rounds among validators and potentially shorten slot times [1]. Under the new design, a randomly selected group of 256 validators would handle the fork choice using the LMD GHOST algorithm, while the full validator set would manage finalization separately. This approach allows for faster block selection while maintaining the security and finality of the network [2].

The proposal introduces a modular system where developers could independently upgrade fork choice or finality mechanisms, enhancing the adaptability of Ethereum’s consensus layer [2]. Buterin also highlighted the potential for significant validator set expansion—up to one million participants—without requiring complex architectural overhauls [2]. The structure maintains the current security parameters, ensuring no compromise on network safety.

The revised model also simplifies inactivity leak management. If a network disruption occurs, the fork choice chain continues to operate, while finalization is paused until normal operations resume. This design allows for automatic recovery aligned with chain progression [2].

Buterin’s proposal remains in the early exploration phase, with implementation feasibility yet to be evaluated by technical teams. The Ethereum Foundation has not yet set a timeline for testing, and protocol changes will require extensive review and community feedback [2]. Simultaneously, Ethereum’s peer-to-peer layer is being optimized for lower latency through erasure coding techniques, which could further enhance performance [2].

The proposal aligns with broader efforts to simplify Ethereum’s architecture. Ethereum researcher Justin Drake has separately outlined a “Lean Ethereum” plan that emphasizes reducing the complexity of execution, consensus, and data layers, while also introducing quantum-resistant features such as zero-knowledge-powered virtual machines [1]. These systems allow on-chain data verification without exposing sensitive information, offering enhanced privacy and protection against quantum computing threats.

Data availability sampling is another proposed method to reduce node storage burdens by enabling random fragment verification instead of requiring full block downloads [1]. These initiatives reflect a shared sentiment among Ethereum developers that the network must evolve to remain competitive and secure.

Ethereum’s price has shown resilience despite a recent decline, with ETH trading at $3,526 as of the latest data. While down about 4.7% in the last 24 hours, the asset remains up over 46% in the past month [2]. Analysts suggest that the $3,500–$3,550 zone has become a key support level, with a breakout above $3,750 potentially triggering a move toward $4,000 [2].

Meanwhile, U.S. spot Ether ETFs attracted $5.43 billion in net inflows during July, a 369% increase from June, bringing total net assets to $21.52 billion [2]. Ethereum futures trading volume also surged to $223.6 billion, the highest in five months, with ETH and altcoins now making up 83% of total futures market share [2].

Source:

[1] [Justin Drake Proposes 'Lean Ethereum](https://cointelegraph.com/news/justin-drake-proposes-lean-ethereum)

[2] [Ethereum News Today: Vitalik Buterin Proposes 10x ...](https://www.ainvest.com/news/ethereum-news-today-vitalik-buterin-proposes-10x-ethereum-scalability-2026-2508/)