Research Summary
The report discusses the Ethereum All Core Developers Consensus Call #125, where developers discussed updates on the Cancun/Deneb upgrade testing, translating Beacon API specifications into OpenAPI schemas, and optimizing consensus layer attestation subnets. The report also covers discussions on the Goerli Shadow Fork, fork choice filtering changes, OpenAPI type definitions for Beacon API, modifications to attestation subnet calculations, and potential priorities for the next upgrade, Electra.
Key Takeaways
Cancun/Deneb Goerli Shadow Fork #2
- Successful Testing: The Ethereum Foundation testing team launched a shadow fork of the Goerli testnet, marking the final Goerli shadow fork before the Cancun/Deneb upgrade. The initial analysis of the Goerli Shadow Fork (GSF) #2 was positive, indicating successful propagation of blobs and blocks.
Fork Choice Filtering Change
- Asynchronous Rollout: Minor changes to consensus layer fork choice specifications are expected to be rolled out in an asynchronous fashion near the time of the Cancun/Deneb mainnet activation. Developers agreed to merge the changes as soon as possible without waiting for an epoch boundary.
OpenAPI Type Definitions for Beacon API
- Mapping Completion: The canonical mapping of SSZ to JSON for all Beacon API routes has been completed, simplifying code and potentially easing future maintenance. Developers showed no disagreement to the proposed transition from OpenAPI to SSZ.
Modify Attestation Subnet Calculations
- Optimization Proposal: A proposal was made to optimize long-lived attestation subnets (attnets) by using the node-id prefix to assist node discovery on subnets. The proposal, however, would require a hard fork.
Electra Discussions
- Future Priorities: Developers were encouraged to review Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) for the next upgrade, Electra. Data availability sampling (DAS) was suggested as a high-priority feature for a consensus layer-focused upgrade.
Actionable Insights
- Monitor the Cancun/Deneb Upgrade: Stakeholders should keep an eye on the upcoming Cancun/Deneb upgrade, especially considering the successful testing of the Goerli Shadow Fork #2.
- Understand the Implications of Fork Choice Filtering Changes: Developers and Ethereum users should familiarize themselves with the implications of the fork choice filtering changes, as these will be rolled out near the time of the Cancun/Deneb mainnet activation.
- Consider the Benefits of SSZ Mapping: The completion of the SSZ to JSON mapping for Beacon API routes could simplify code and ease future maintenance. Developers should consider the benefits of this transition.
- Assess the Impact of Attestation Subnet Calculations: The proposal to optimize attestation subnets could have significant implications for node discovery on subnets. Stakeholders should assess the potential impact of these changes.
- Review Proposed EIPs for Electra: Developers and Ethereum users should review the proposed EIPs for the next upgrade, Electra, and consider the potential impact of these proposals on the Ethereum ecosystem.
