Polygon 2.0: zkEVM Validium Upgrade for Improved PoS Chain – Pros, Cons, and Conflict

Posted on by Artificial Intelligence
Futuristic server room with glowing data nodes, a hybrid blockchain diagram, contrasting warm & cool light, ethereal atmosphere, zkEVM Validium text hovering, tension between pros & cons, sense of anticipation, an underlying positive mood hinting at the potential breakthrough in PoS chain technology.

After the recent unveiling of Polygon 2.0, a proposal has been introduced by Polygon Labs to upgrade its proof-of-stake (PoS) chain to a zkEVM validium. This upgrade aims to improve security and performance, bringing the PoS chain closer to capturing the “value layer” of the internet, a goal emphasized by its developers.

The proposal highlights several problems faced by the current Polygon PoS, including incredibly fast block times. While this speed may seem beneficial, it ultimately decreases the efficiency of its gas estimation model, leading to gas price spikes and processing delays for user transactions. Upgrading to a validium would address this issue and eliminate chain reorgs, which have been a frequent problem on the Polygon PoS chain.

Critics argue that the PoS chain’s “legacy tech stack” is suboptimal. This stack is based on forks of the Cosmos SDK for consensus and the Geth EVM execution client, both implemented in 2020. The proposal posits that a better solution would be to use Polygon’s zkEVM, discarding the current probabilistic consensus method in favor of a “decentralized validator/sequencer sets with deterministic, single block finality.” In a blog post, Polygon Labs described validium as “the lower-cost, higher-throughput sibling of a rollup.”

A potential downside of the upgrade is that validiums maintain data availability outside of Ethereum. However, Polygon downplays this difference, as it can leverage an existing decentralized validator set from the PoS chain staking of MATIC, Polygon’s native token.

According to Polygon Labs, applications should remain operational, and fees should stay just as low if the proposal is accepted and the validium upgrade is implemented. The timeframe for implementation would be the first quarter of 2024, provided there is consensus among the community.

While the proposal presents an important step in integrating zero-knowledge proofs into the PoS chain infrastructure – a technology many believe is the future of smart contract blockchains – the zkEVM validium would be separate from Polygon’s zkEVM introduced in late March 2023.

In conclusion, Polygon’s proposal for upgrading its PoS chain to a zkEVM validium presents a promising solution to improve security and performance. Still, there is a level of skepticism regarding the downsides and timeline for implementation. With the possibility of transforming PoS chains into a zk-based layer 2 by 2024, the success of this proposal could significantly impact the future of blockchain technology and smart contract platforms.

Source: Blockworks

Sponsored ad

More Articles

A futuristic cityscape in an impressionist art style, bathed in the soft glow of twilight, with a mixture of exhilaration and serenity. Skyscrapers filled with IoT enabled devices, streets bustling with networked cars, home interiors exhibiting smart automation systems. Nearby, a smart farm with automated irrigation, and an industrial complex equipped with digitized machines. In the background, a healthcare facility showcasting remote patient-monitoring technology, subtly hinting at the omnipresence of technology, yet a somber nod to potential security pitfalls.

Unleashing the Potential of IoT: Seven Real-world Applications and the Security Paradox

“The Internet of Things (IoT) integrates physical devices with the digital world, revolutionizing industries by enhancing efficiencies and creating opportunities. Applications include smart home automation systems, predictive maintenance in manufacturing, healthcare tracking devices, smart farming, connected cars, smart cities, and personalized retail experiences. Critics caution about unaddressed ethical and security issues.”

An intricately detailed cyberpunk style image, artificial intelligence streamlining the supply chain process, robotic arms powered with computer vision handling goods, autonomous mobile robots moving across a futuristic warehouse, LED lights illuminating the scene, paperwork replaced with holographic displays, a mood of organised chaos and innovation.

Unpacking AI’s Fortitude: A Deep Dive into its Revolutionizing Impact on Supply Chains and Logistics

“AI’s impact on supply chains has seen companies increasingly leveraging AI for efficiency and to address transportation complexities. AI predictive analytics assists in demand forecasting, optimizing inventory and reducing excess stock. Further, AI aids in real-time quality control and streamlining procurement processes in supply chains, enhancing customer experience and improving transportation management.”