Ethereum Validators Test OptimumP2P Network Solution
Several major Ethereum validators are testing OptimumP2P, a high-performance networking layer leveraging MIT-developed technology from Optimum Networks. The initiative aims to tackle Ethereum’s networking constraints.
Key details regarding the OptimumP2P test:
- Validator participants include Kiln, P2P.org, Everstake, Blockdaemon, Infstones, Luganodes, and Ebunker.
- OptimumP2P utilizes Random Linear Network Coding, which reconstructs full messages from multiple encoded packets.
- Initial tests indicate significantly improved performance, featuring up to 10x lower latency under high-traffic conditions.
- Unlike previous methods, the approach minimizes message redundancy and loss.
- The participating validators collectively control approximately 14% of Ethereum’s total staking share.
Discussions around Ethereum’s limitations often focus on execution and consensus layers. However, the networking layer presents a persistent bottleneck.
Ethereum currently propagates data using Gossipsub on top of the libp2p protocol. While robust, this approach faces challenges, repeatedly transmitting the same data to numerous nodes and leading to increased latency and bandwidth usage, particularly with growing data sizes.
Optimum co-founder and CEO Muriel Médard highlighted this issue, stating: “A careful trade-off between […] lies at the heart of traditional gossip algorithms.”
“OptimumP2P makes people gossip algebraic equations, not plain old gossip,” Médard explained in an interview.
Underpinning this approach is Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC). Rather than sending full copies of messages, RLNC breaks data into fragments and creates encoded packets using different algebraic combinations. Recipients reconstruct the original message once enough unique packets are received.
Test results quantify the performance gains:
- Up to 10x lower latency under high load.
- Stable handling of larger messages (tested up to 10MB) beyond Gossipsub’s typical 4MB limit.
- Zero message loss observed even under stressful conditions.
This test runs concurrently with Ethereum’s Hoodi testnet and aims to integrate this improved networking layer into the Ethereum ecosystem.
“A smoother user experience and higher scalability,” both for Ethereum and potentially other blockchains, represent the long-term vision for OptimumP2P.
*Based on reports related to Optimum Networks’ OptimumP2P technology.
