Ethereum Dencun升级在即：Proto-Danksharding如何改变Layer-2生态

Ethereum is brewing a significant transformation. The highly anticipated Dencun upgrade (Cancun-Deneb) went live on the mainnet on March 13, 2024. The core innovation of this update—Proto-Danksharding (EIP-4844)—will fundamentally reshape Ethereum’s scalability prospects.

The True Face of the Dencun Upgrade: More Than Just Performance Enhancement

Rather than being a traditional network upgrade, Dencun represents a critical turning point for Ethereum’s path toward true scalability. The eth upgrade date set for Q1 2024 marks the beginning of Ethereum’s evolution from a “monolithic architecture” to a “modular architecture.”

The upgrade is divided into two key parts: the Cancun layer handles data availability, while the Deneb layer optimizes the consensus mechanism. The combination of these two introduces a novel concept—using “blobs” (data chunks) to temporarily store transaction data instead of recording it permanently on the blockchain.

This sounds highly technical, but its implications are profound: Layer-2 networks (such as Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon) could see transaction fees drop by 10-100 times. This is not an exaggeration—Fidelity data shows that Layer-2 networks currently account for only about 10% of total Layer-1 costs, and this ratio will further decrease after the upgrade.

How Proto-Danksharding Works: The Blob Revolution

The innovation of EIP-4844 lies in introducing “blobs”—a new data structure that can be verified but does not require permanent storage. Imagine this: previously, each Layer-2 transaction had to leave a full record on the Ethereum mainnet; now, only data proofs need to be stored.

The chain reaction of this improvement is significant:

• Cost reduction: Previously, paying gas for permanent storage space was necessary; now, only temporary data availability costs are incurred.
• Network capacity doubling: Ethereum’s theoretical throughput could jump from 15 TPS to 1000 TPS.
• Benefits for Layer-2 ecosystems: Lower data storage costs directly translate into reduced user fees.

Currently, the average ETH transfer fee on Arbitrum is $0.24, on Optimism $0.47, and on Polygon $0.78. After the upgrade, these figures are expected to fall to a few cents or even lower.

Other Improvements Included in Dencun: Details That Make a Difference

Proto-Danksharding is not an isolated development. This upgrade also integrates several EIP proposals:

EIP-1153 introduces temporary storage operation codes, enabling smart contracts to handle intermediate data more efficiently and further reduce gas consumption.

EIP-4788 allows the execution layer to directly access the Beacon Chain root, enhancing interoperability between the mainnet and consensus layer, paving the way for cross-layer optimizations.

EIP-5656 adds the MCOPY instruction, optimizing memory copying efficiency—seemingly minor but capable of generating significant gas savings in large-scale transactions.

EIP-6493 fine-tunes validator block selection mechanisms, strengthening finality and reducing centralization risks.

EIP-6780 restricts SELFDESTRUCT operations, filling a security vulnerability in smart contracts and preventing certain types of attacks.

Dencun Timeline: From Testing to Mainnet Launch

The preparation process for this eth upgrade date spans several months:

It is worth noting that this schedule was previously delayed. The original plan was to release Dencun in Q4 2023, but due to developers identifying areas needing further optimization during the All Core Developers consensus meeting, it was postponed to early 2024. This cautious approach reflects Ethereum’s emphasis on network stability.

Deep Impact of Proto-Danksharding on Layer-2

The Dencun upgrade is more than just cost reduction. It redefines the relationship between second-layer networks and the mainnet.

Restructuring of cost structure: Currently, the main expense for Layer-2 is sending transaction data back to Ethereum. The introduction of blobs makes this process an order of magnitude cheaper. Rollup providers like Arbitrum and Optimism can pass these savings to users or invest in better infrastructure.

Enhanced interoperability: New EIPs facilitate smoother interaction between Layer-2 and the mainnet. Cross-layer bridging becomes safer and cheaper, which is vital for multi-chain ecosystems.

Data availability revolution: Proto-Danksharding will also impact independent data availability layers (such as Celestia, EigenDA, Avail). These projects, originally seen as alternatives to Ethereum scalability, will need to reposition their value propositions.

Long-term Outlook for the Ethereum Ecosystem: From Dencun to Danksharding

Dencun is just the beginning. This upgrade officially introduces the concept of “blobs,” paving the way for full Danksharding. Full Danksharding will split Ethereum into 64 or more shards, each capable of processing transactions independently.

Before the arrival of full Danksharding, the Ethereum community has planned the next milestone—Electra + Prague (Petra) upgrades. This version will introduce Verkle Trees, a new cryptographic data structure that further optimizes storage efficiency and verification speed.

This roadmap reflects Ethereum’s development philosophy: incremental innovation. From the Beacon Chain (2020) to The Merge (2022), and Shanghai/Capella (2023), each step has laid a foundation for the next.

Practical Impact of the Upgrade: Perspectives for Users and Developers

For ordinary users, the most immediate benefit of Dencun is cost reduction. DeFi users, NFT traders, and cross-chain bridge users will experience significant savings. Previously, swapping tokens on Layer-2 could cost several dollars; now, it might only be a few cents.

For developers, the new 1MB/slot blob storage space opens doors for complex applications. Projects previously limited by data costs can now attempt more ambitious features. This could lead to new application paradigms—such as on-chain data storage solutions, real-time data oracles, or even comprehensive on-chain analytics platforms.

Additionally, the ETH liquid staking ecosystem is expected to thrive again. Improved network efficiency will attract more users to participate as validators, increasing staking demand.

Potential Risks of the Upgrade: Maintaining Caution

Despite the promising outlook, the Dencun upgrade also carries risks:

Technical risks: Any large-scale network upgrade may introduce unforeseen vulnerabilities or edge cases. Developers have tested extensively on testnets, but new issues could emerge after mainnet deployment.

Compatibility challenges: Some legacy smart contracts may need redeployment or adjustments to fully adapt to new mechanisms. During the transition, some applications might experience temporary disruptions.

Temporary gas fee fluctuations: In the initial phase post-upgrade, network participants may not fully adapt to new pricing mechanisms, leading to short-term fee volatility. The actual reduction in gas costs depends on developer and user adoption rates.

Conclusion: Ethereum’s Scalability Journey Enters a New Phase

The Dencun upgrade marks a significant milestone in Ethereum’s scalability strategy. While Proto-Danksharding is not yet a complete solution, it demonstrates the viability of new technological approaches and lays a solid foundation for full Danksharding.

For traders and investors, this upgrade creates new market opportunities. Lower fees will stimulate increased usage of Layer-2 applications, driving up the value of ecosystem tokens. For the developer community, it is a moment to showcase Ethereum’s ongoing innovation capabilities.

As various EIPs are gradually implemented, Ethereum is moving toward a vision of a scalable, secure, and decentralized network. This is not just a technical upgrade but a symbol of ecosystem maturity.