Notable Spike in Polkadot Transactions as DOT Prices Soar
In recent days, there has been a significant increase in the number of transactions on the Polkadot network. This surge in activity aligns with the rising prices of DOT, reaching new highs in 2023. Currently, Polkadot is processing approximately 250,000 transactions per hour or 400-450 per block. Polkadot is a modern blockchain that prioritizes blockchain interoperability and achieves cheap transaction processing through its Relay Chain and Parachains design.
Polkadot Transactions Swelling: Dota and Inscriptions
The recent launch of inscriptions by the Dota platform is driving the rapid expansion of transactions on Polkadot. These inscriptions simplify the process of deploying and minting assets on Polkadot’s parachains. By eliminating the need for complex coding, inscriptions make it easier for Polkadot parachains to communicate without relying on Cross-Chain Message Forma (XCM). According to Dota, inscriptions on Polkadot account for 98% of the recent transaction volume.
Low Transaction Fees and Underutilized Bandwidth
Despite the increase in transactions, transaction fees on Polkadot remain low. The network has not reached its full capacity, currently operating at around 10%. Network fees will only increase once the total capacity reaches 25%. This requires each block confirmed on Polkadot to have at least 1,250 transactions. More inscriptions created via Dota will be needed to reach this level.
Potential Impact on DOT Price and Network Congestion
The surge in transactions coincides with rising DOT prices. However, there are concerns that inscriptions may cause network congestion and lead to higher transaction fees. Critics argue that inscriptions may spam the network and discourage usage. The sustainability of inscriptions and their ability to onboard more users remains to be seen. If transactions exceed the 1,250 per block threshold, the demand for DOT is likely to increase, potentially driving its price higher.
Hot Take: Will DOT Continue Rising In 2024?
The recent surge in Polkadot transactions and the corresponding rise in DOT prices raise questions about the future of the network. While Polkadot can currently handle the increased activity, the sustainability of inscriptions and their impact on network congestion remain uncertain. If the demand for transactions continues to grow, DOT could trend higher towards critical resistance levels, such as $10. The coming year will provide insights into whether Polkadot can maintain its upward trajectory.