Ava Labs Proposes Astra Upgrade to Enhance Avalanche Subnets
Ava Labs has put forward a proposal for the Astra upgrade, which aims to improve the functionality of subnets within the Avalanche network. The upgrade, if approved and implemented, will bring architectural changes to enhance the operation of application-specific subnets independently from the primary network.
Refining Subnet Functionality in Phases
The proposal, written by Patrick O’Grady, outlines a phased approach to refining subnet functionality. The first phase focuses on revamping the relationship between the primary Avalanche network and its subnets. Currently, subnet validators are required to validate both the primary network and additional subnets. With the Astra upgrade, subnet validators will solely concentrate on running a subnet and synchronizing its P-Chain, resulting in reduced computational and hardware demands.
Narrowed Focus for Subnet Validators
The Astra upgrade eliminates the need for subnet validators to also serve as primary network validators. This change lowers entry costs as validators can now focus exclusively on their subnet without validating the primary network. The P-Chain’s function is to allow validators to stake AVAX and receive rewards.
Multipurpose Subnets in the Avalanche Network
The Avalanche network features multiple subnets tailored for different applications. These subnets cater to various sectors such as play-to-earn gaming, decentralized finance, and enterprise clients in the financial services industry.
Transition to a Rent-Based Model
In a subsequent phase of the Astra upgrade, subnet validation will transition from a staking-based model to a rent-based system. Instead of staking 2,000 AVAX upfront, validators will pay a dynamically priced validation fee in AVAX based on the number of validators in a subnet. This change eliminates the need for large upfront stakes and introduces a pay-as-you-go approach.
Continued Advancements with Astra
The Astra upgrade builds upon previous enhancements introduced by Ava Labs, such as Elastic Subnets and Avalanche Warp Messaging through the Banff upgrade. These advancements aim to further refine the network’s adaptability and functionality.
Astra Upgrade Expanding Subnets to a Broader Market
Ava Labs believes that the Astra upgrade can bring subnets to a wider market of both crypto-native and traditional businesses looking to build on-chain products and services within the Avalanche ecosystem.
Hot Take: Ava Labs Proposes Astra Upgrade to Empower Avalanche Subnets
Ava Labs is proposing the Astra upgrade to revolutionize the way subnets operate in the Avalanche network. By refining subnet functionality and eliminating the need for subnet validators to validate the primary network, this upgrade aims to lower costs and enhance the independence of subnets. Additionally, transitioning to a rent-based validation model allows for greater flexibility and eliminates the requirement for large upfront stakes. The Astra upgrade builds upon previous advancements, showcasing Ava Labs’ commitment to continuously improving the network’s capabilities. With these enhancements, subnets in the Avalanche ecosystem can expand their reach to a broader market, attracting both crypto-native and traditional businesses.