Polygon, a leading layer 2 blockchain platform in the Web3 ecosystem, through a post on its Forum, has recently revealed an exciting proposal to upgrade its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) chain to a zkEVM validium. This upgrade aims to bring significant improvements in terms of security, scalability, and compatibility with the broader Polygon ecosystem.
Increased Security:Â
The upgrade would leverage the robust security measures of Ethereum, including approximately $40 billion worth of staked ETH and over 600,000 validators. This combination ensures enhanced economic security and safeguards against potential threats for Polygon PoS users.
Future-Proof Technology: Polygon’s zkEVM technology is considered one of the most advanced in the industry. By embracing this upgrade, Polygon PoS would be equipped with a future-proof tech stack, ensuring the platform remains at the forefront of innovation.
Jump Ahead To:
Key Benefits of Polygon’s Upgrade to zkEVM Validium
The proposed upgrade offers several tangible benefits for Polygon PoS and its users:
1⃣ Reorg Elimination
The introduction of decentralized validator/sequencer sets supporting deterministic, single block finality would eliminate chain reorganizations, ensuring transaction integrity and bolstering reliability.
2⃣ Faster Transaction Confirmations
With single block finality, transaction confirmation time would be reduced from 256 seconds to just 2 seconds, significantly improving user experience. Further reductions can be explored by optimizing consensus times.
3⃣ Increased Scalability
The zkEVM’s ability to validate large transaction batches rapidly allows for higher throughput on Polygon PoS, enhancing the platform’s overall scalability.
4⃣ Improved Fee Estimation
The upgrade’s deterministic and efficient consensus, coupled with enhanced scalability, would result in more reliable gas estimation models, benefiting users in estimating transaction fees.
5⃣ Greater Decentralization
By leveraging ZK proofs, Polygon PoS can achieve higher levels of decentralization for both full nodes and validators. This ensures a more distributed and secure network.
6⃣ Compatibility with Polygon 2.0
The upgrade aligns Polygon PoS with the vision of Polygon 2.0, facilitating seamless interoperability with other chains within the Polygon ecosystem.
Realistic Timeline: Important Data
The proposed timeline for the upgrade includes pre-PIP discussion and consensus, PIP publishing and implementation, and the subsequent activation on the mainnet.
This timeline spans from June 2023 to March 2024, allowing sufficient time for thorough testing and community consensus.
Practical Concerns Regarding this Upgrade
The upgrade aims to provide a seamless transition for users and applications. No action would be required from their end. Validators and full nodes would simply need to upgrade to the latest version of the Polygon PoS client software, incorporating the zkEVM prover alongside existing components.
Comparison with Polygon zkEVM Rollup
Polygon PoS and Polygon zkEVM rollup are two distinct networks within the Polygon ecosystem. The upgrade would allow both networks to coexist and complement each other effectively. While Polygon zkEVM rollup prioritizes security and high-value transactions, upgraded Polygon PoS (zkEVM validium) focuses on high scalability and low transaction fees, making it ideal for applications such as Web3 gaming and social platforms.
Conclusion
The proposal to upgrade Polygon PoS to a zkEVM validium holds tremendous potential for the platform’s growth and resilience. With enhanced security, scalability, and compatibility with Polygon 2.0, Polygon PoS would solidify its position as a leading blockchain solution.