Originally published on: September 27, 2024
Ethereum co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, is pushing for an increase in the network’s “blob count” as it approaches capacity limits. The blob count, introduced during the Dencun upgrade, plays a crucial role in scaling the network and enabling layer-2 protocols to enhance capacity.
During a recent developer call, Buterin revealed that the blob space is currently at 75% capacity. Changes are necessary to boost the blob count through Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP)-7623 implementation.
Blob space refers to a specialized data storage area introduced by EIP-4844 (proto-danksharding) to enhance scalability. This space stores large volumes of data temporarily, primarily benefiting layer-2 rollups.
The blob count determines how many blobs can be included in each Ethereum block. The current target is three with a maximum of six blobs per block. Buterin advocates increasing this to a target of four blobs with a maximum of eight to allow more data storage per block for improved L2 network capacity.
EIP-7623 suggests increasing call data costs for transactions primarily utilizing Ethereum for data availability. This change would reduce the maximum block size, potentially allowing an increase in the block gas limit or the number of blobs.
Concerns were raised by Buterin regarding some L2 platforms being hesitant to switch to blobs due to potential market congestion. He emphasized the importance of moving more L2s to blobs while reiterating the need for decentralized layer-2 networks.
Support for Buterin’s proposal to increase the blob count has been strong. Coinbase L2 Base creator, Jesse Pollak, praised the move for reducing block size risks and accommodating the growth of L2 platforms.
The upcoming Prague upgrade will focus on modifications to the network’s execution layer, with the Electra upgrade affecting the consensus layer – thus named Pectra (Prague Electra). This upgrade will introduce changes to improve scalability, introduce account abstraction, and raise validator staking limits.
To expedite the deployment of the Pectra upgrade, Ethereum developers are considering splitting it into PectraA and PectraB segments.
Vitalik Buterin’s call to increase Ethereum’s blob count is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the network’s capacity and supporting the growth of layer-2 solutions.
