Ethereum Layer-2 Scaling Network Starknet Plans for Decentralization
If you’re interested in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, you may have heard about Ethereum layer-2 scaling network Starknet’s plan to improve the decentralization of its zero-knowledge proof rollup solution. The product manager and blockchain researcher, Ilia Volokh, explained that the company aims to address certain centralized elements of its protocol to enhance security and robustness.
Starknet functions as a validity rollup using ZK-proof technology to bundle transactions, with cryptographic proofs submitted to Ethereum for security and finality of layer-2 transactions. However, the protocol is currently dependent on StarkWare for creating L2 blocks, computing proofs, and initiating layer-1 state updates to the Ethereum blockchain.
According to Volokh, Starknet’s dependency on StarkWare makes its operation centralized. While this isn’t necessarily negative because of Ethereum’s role as a filter, the company plans to decentralize various components of its system to combat censorship in consensus-based systems.
Decentralizing Starknet’s Protocol
Starknet aims to decentralize block production through its consensus protocol, the proving layer responsible for computing proofs for blocks, and the process of L1 state updates. Volokh emphasized the importance of decentralizing each component and highlighted that Starknet is working on a concrete solution for decentralizing its prover.
The company is still in the process of outlining the testing and implementation of these decentralized mechanics in its network. This will likely be carried out through interconnected testnets to ensure the simultaneous functionality of the different components.
Hot Take: Striving for Decentralization
As Starknet outlines plans to decentralize its protocol, it aims to address concerns related to censorship and centralization. By enhancing decentralization across multiple components, Starknet seeks to promote security and robustness within its network. The commitment to these values reflects a dedication not only to commercial success but also philosophical implications associated with decentralized systems.
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