A new propagation layer developed by Optimum is set to revolutionize validator economics on the Ethereum network, promising enhanced performance and higher staking yields. The system, known as mumP2P, leverages Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) and is already demonstrating significant improvements on Ethereum’s Hoodi testnet, with validator giant Everstake reporting a speed increase of 5 to 6 times compared to the existing Gossipsub relay.
According to Everstake COO, Bohdan Opryshko, current average block propagation times using mumP2P stand at approximately 150 milliseconds. He emphasized that such speed enhancements are crucial, particularly for large validator sets. “If somebody can transfer data faster, if you can sign blocks faster…you can mitigate the risk around missing blocks. That means less missing blocks, more rewards for users, and more rewards for validators,” he explained.
The compounding effect of these boosted yields can result in significant nominal sums, especially for those with substantial amounts of ether staked. Since Ethereum’s transition post-The Merge, staking yields have experienced consistent compression, as shown by data from Blockworks Research.
Muriel Médard, co-founder of Optimum and a professor at MIT, expressed enthusiasm for the substantial improvements intended for Ethereum’s current networking framework. She noted that while Gossipsub has considerable redundancy, it tends to consume a lot of bandwidth and falters under stress. Optimum’s method aims to replace it with an efficient relay system that resembles Gossipsub in appearance but simplifies data transmission through coding, minimizing redundancy.
Everstake’s Opryshko assured that the operational costs associated with running mumP2P are not significant compared to traditional setups. Everstake plans a phased rollout beginning on the testnet before transitioning to the mainnet. Opryshko suggested that once one client team demonstrates the effectiveness of mumP2P, others will likely adopt it to remain competitive.
This innovation could have broader implications beyond marginal improvements for validators. Ethereum’s leadership is pursuing the idea of shorter slot times, as discussed by Ethereum Foundation co-executive director Tomasz K. Stańczak. He recently highlighted the potential transition from current timing to six-second slots, and eventually, one-second slots.
Recent ETH Research reports indicate that median and 95th-percentile block relay times may already align with a six-second slot framework. The challenge remains with outlier validators and attestation timing. With Optimum’s technology, Ethereum could reduce slot times without compromising necessary data for its fork choice rules.
Médard illustrated the concept using a roadway analogy: while traditional methods may cause traffic delays, the coded propagation of mumP2P allows for continuous flow, preventing congestion and keeping delays minimal even under heavy loads.
End users could benefit from faster transaction confirmations and fewer gas spikes, as evidenced by Ethereum’s recent spike on September 1. Opryshko believes that the initial benefits will favor larger validators handling thousands of keys, but the technology will also be advantageous for solo operators, especially those who aim for minimal latency and strive to optimize their operations.
Everstake anticipates implementing the mumP2P technology on the mainnet within three months. If the reported 6x gains hold true across various real-world scenarios, the changes in validator economics could make better propagation an essential requirement, not just an added bonus, thus granting Ethereum the flexibility needed to pursue shorter slot times effectively.
