With the advent of beacon chains in 2020, Ethereum today supports two types of clients: execution layer (often referred to as eth1) and those who power proof-of-stake. consensus layer (aka eth2). As those who run validators know well (since they run both client types), each serves a specific purpose and supports a different part of Ethereum.
We recognize the importance of both sets of clients representing the long-term health of Ethereum and network diversity, and our work to support the entire ecosystem of clients is fundamental to our work in the ecosystem.
Layer-specific client support updates
execution layer
In 2021, the Ethereum Foundation plans to allocate at least $4 million to the execution layer client team.
These first grants distributed will support the following client teams: besut, Geth (Ethereum transfer), nethermind, open ethereumand Turbo Guess.
Even in the early days of Ethereum, it was clear that the growing diversity of clients would strengthen Ethereum’s core. That is why today we reaffirm our support for their work through this first step towards sustainability.
consensus layer
In 2021, EF will allocate the minimum. $4.5 million was spent on client teams, as detailed in a previous post (ESP 2020 Allocation Update; First quarter, 2nd quarter, 3rd quarter, 4th quarter). Additionally, support may be announced through regular research and support. Ecosystem Support Program Updated throughout the year for audits, official verification, testing, bug bounties, tools, and other community support.
Today there are four clients in the consensus layer. Lighthouse, ocean, prism and cloud It is online and has been stable since the launch of the beacon chain in December. At the time of writing this post, these clients have enabled their beacon chains to be secured with 3.5mm+ Ether supplied by over 110,000 active validators. This feat, and the accomplishments of these teams to date, cannot be overstated. 👏
Additionally, the fifth customer, lodestarhas provided high-quality JavaScript tools (already used in various explorers and other beacon chain tracking tools) and other API standardization, and aims to introduce the Beacon Chain Light Client into production this year!
Our support in 2021 will primarily target these five customers, with other opportunities available as development progresses.
move forward together
like Danny Ryan explained it in his recent Finalized #23 post:, “As a beacon chain staker and validator, you need an Ethereum PoW endpoint to successfully perform all of your various duties.” This means that you will need both client types to power the network today and after the merge. And because the familiar technology of the execution layer remains intact regardless of consensus changes, no action is required for dapps, developers, or users to continue using Ethereum as they always have. Simply put, both client types are still needed and will succeed given Ethereum’s long-term strength, soundness, and decentralization.
Over the past few months, we have seen renewed interest and innovation in Ethereum, and more is likely to happen soon. As network usage increases and Ethereum’s potential becomes even greater, sustainable support of open source software at both layers is essential and we look forward to providing further updates on our work in this area. 🚀