We explain how staking works in Ethereum 2.0

Maciej Zieliński

09 Aug 2022
We explain how staking works in Ethereum 2.0

For a long time, there has been news about the Ethereum upgrade. It is likely that from mid-September 2022. PoW will transform into PoS.  The developer of the leading altcoin suggested last month that the merger could take place on September 19. Ethereum has seen significant growth (more than 60%) relative to other cryptocurrencies during the bull market. What will Ethereum 2.0 be? What are the differences between classic ETH and the merger? How do you stack on Ethereum 2.0? We write about it below! 

What is Ethereum 2.0?

Ethereum 2.0 is a new version of the Ethereum blockchain. It will use Proof - of - Stake to verify transactions. The Ethereum 2.0 staking engine itself will replace the proof-of-work model, in which cryptocurrency miners use powerful computers to perform complex mathematical functions called hashes. Currently, the mining process requires an ever-increasing amount of electricity to verify Ethereum transactions before they are written to the public blockchain. The Proof of Work and energy consumption on ETH annually can be compared to the carbon footprint of all of Switzerland or Finland. Ethereum 2.0 is expected to change the energy world and reduce the carbon footprint by 99.95 percent. Ethereum 2.0 features four elements: 

  • Efficiency - Ethereum will be 99.95% more energy efficient than ETH. It is estimated that proof of rate will no longer require a national authority to secure the network.
  • Partitioning - Ethereum will be divided into 18 "shards." Each will operate separately and simultaneously, improving the efficiency of the project. Each shard will contain its independent state, which means a unique set of account balances and smart contracts. Sharding is by far the most complex Ethereum scaling solution.
  • Staking - Ethereum will move to PoS so everyone can participate and help secure the network.
  • Security - in Proof-of-Stake, network disruption becomes more expensive. 

Proof Of Stake vs Proof Of Work 

Proof of Stake (PoS) is a mechanism for validating mining transactions. With PoS, users can mine and validate their own transactions based on their coin holdings. Therefore, each miner's amount of owned cryptocurrencies is related to the crypto mining capabilities.  

Proof of Work works based on how quickly miners mine crypto and solve equations. PoW is a system that focuses on network cybersecurity, a consensus mechanism that requires miners' efforts to counter malware and negative use of computing power. 

Ethereum 2.0

In what phases will Ethereum 2.0 be implemented? 

The Ethereum 2.0 project is being implemented in three phases: 

  • Phase 0- Beacon Chain - launched on December 1, 2020. This is where PoS is introduced into the Ethereum ecosystem. With this phase, the Ethereum network is coordinated and can serve as a consensus value. This acts as a precursor to the upcoming steps. 
  • Phase 1 - The Merge - the stage of merging the new consensus layer with the existing execution layer. At this point, there will be an end to mining on Ethereum. From this point on, the footprint will be reduced, and the implementation of new scalability elements for Ethereum - such as sharding - will begin. It is likely to go into effect around September 19, 2022. 
  • Phase 2- Sharding - there will be database partitioning, which will distribute the network load. In this phase, everyone will be able to run a node independently on weaker hardware (than before), Ethereum will be able to be staked on any hardware - a laptop or phone, and network participation will increase. 
Ethereum 2.0

What is staking on Ethereum 2.0? 

Many people are wondering what staking will look like on Ethereum 2.0. In the Beacon Chain phase, 32 ETH can be subject to community staking on validation nodes. Remember that 32 ETH2 staking is used to verify transactions and status on the network. In addition, it serves the function of guaranteeing that the approval node is operating correctly and honestly. As part of this, stakers receive Ethereum. In practice, validators will generate ETH as passive income and receive ETH dividends at specific intervals. According to estimates, staking in Ethereum 2.0 can create an ROI of 14% per year. According to analysts, the demand for ETH will increase after the proof-of-stake implementation due to the additional demand for ETH by proof-of-stake and validation nodes. In contrast, the demand for GPUs will decrease as mining on Ethereum ends.

How does staking work?

Unlike PoW, PoS-based blockchains combine 32 blocks of transactions in each round of validation, which takes an average of 6.4 minutes. "Epochs" is the name given to these groups of blocks. When a blockchain adds two additional Epochs one after the other, it is considered irreversible and finalized. Beacon Chain divides the stakers into 128 "committees" and randomly assigns them to specific block shards. Each committee is designated a "slot" and has a certain amount of time to propose a new block and then approve internal transactions. Each epoch has 32 slots and requires 32 sets of committees to complete the validation run.  Once a committee is formed for a block, a randomly selected member is given the exclusive right to propose new blocks of transactions. The remaining 127 members vote on the proposals and approve the transactions. Beacon Chain collects information about the state of shards. It distributes it to neighboring fragments to keep the network synchronized. Validators will be managed by Beacon Chain, which handles everything from recording their contributions to rewards and penalties. In addition, the second phase, which involves sharding, will see the process of dividing the Ethereum network into chunks called "shards." Each shard will have a state that contains a separate set of account balances and smart contracts. New blocks are added to the blockchain, and a "cross-link" is created to verify them after approval by the majority of the committee. Only after this approval does stakers selected to propose new blocks receive rewards.

How much can be earned by staking Ethereum 2.0?

To calculate the rewards in Ethereum 2.0, you need to use the annual interest rate and the function of the inverse of the square root. In practice, this means that the lower the total rate of ETH 2.0, the lower the profit. The reward models for proposers and validators are different. The block proposer will receive ⅛ of the base reward, and the validator will receive the remainder (7/8). To receive the exclusive reward, the validator must apply as soon as possible. For each gap (including block validation) completed without command, the payout is reduced. The bonus is reduced by 7/16 if two sites are seized before being submitted for validation, then to 7/32 if three sites pass, and so on. The speed of Ethereum 2.0 issuance depends mainly on the base reward. The lower the base reward, the higher the number of validators connected to Ethereum 2.0. 

How to start?

In order to start staking on the new Ethereum network, there must be the creation of a staking node between Ethereum 1.0 and Ethereum 2.0. Then it would help if you had computer hardware. The minimum requirements are not great. It is enough for users to have enough memory to download old and new Ethereum blockchains. Ethereum 1.0 already has about 900 TB of data and is growing at a rate of about 1 GB per day. In addition, validators will be required to maintain nodes connected to the blockchain. In practice, you need to have a good Internet connection to start staking. Once you install the validator's software on your hardware, you must send ETH to the Ethereum staking contract address. To do this, you need to generate two keys: 

  • one for signing and validating transaction blocks,
  • the other for cash withdrawals. 

Note that you will not be able to create keys for withdrawals until Eth1.0 and Eth2.0 merge in 2022. Before you send funds to the protocol address for staking, you must first go through launchpad 2.0. and follow the procedures. Going through the process and making the payment is supposed to block potential fraudsters who want to undermine the authenticity of the Ethereum 2.0 project. 

Is it worth betting on Ethereum 2.0?

Do many people wonder if Ethereum 2.0 is better than ETH? The answer to this question is that you need to grow and be open to new technologies. An annual interest rate of 6 to 15% is more attractive than any bank deposit. With a minimum requirement of 32 ETH, you can expect to earn between 2 and 5 ETH in practice at current prices. The downside is that you are freezing your capital. Another problem is that no one knows the value of ETH 2.0. The project could turn out to be a bigger success as well as a sizable failure. 

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Token Engineering Process

Kajetan Olas

13 Apr 2024
Token Engineering Process

Token Engineering is an emerging field that addresses the systematic design and engineering of blockchain-based tokens. It applies rigorous mathematical methods from the Complex Systems Engineering discipline to tokenomics design.

In this article, we will walk through the Token Engineering Process and break it down into three key stages. Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase.

Discovery Phase of Token Engineering Process

The first stage of the token engineering process is the Discovery Phase. It focuses on constructing high-level business plans, defining objectives, and identifying problems to be solved. That phase is also the time when token engineers first define key stakeholders in the project.

Defining the Problem

This may seem counterintuitive. Why would we start with the problem when designing tokenomics? Shouldn’t we start with more down-to-earth matters like token supply? The answer is No. Tokens are a medium for creating and exchanging value within a project’s ecosystem. Since crypto projects draw their value from solving problems that can’t be solved through TradFi mechanisms, their tokenomics should reflect that. 

The industry standard, developed by McKinsey & Co. and adapted to token engineering purposes by Outlier Ventures, is structuring the problem through a logic tree, following MECE.
MECE stands for Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive. Mutually Exclusive means that problems in the tree should not overlap. Collectively Exhaustive means that the tree should cover all issues.

In practice, the “Problem” should be replaced by a whole problem statement worksheet. The same will hold for some of the boxes.
A commonly used tool for designing these kinds of diagrams is the Miro whiteboard.

Identifying Stakeholders and Value Flows in Token Engineering

This part is about identifying all relevant actors in the ecosystem and how value flows between them. To illustrate what we mean let’s consider an example of NFT marketplace. In its case, relevant actors might be sellers, buyers, NFT creators, and a marketplace owner. Possible value flow when conducting a transaction might be: buyer gets rid of his tokens, seller gets some of them, marketplace owner gets some of them as fees, and NFT creators get some of them as royalties.

Incentive Mechanisms Canvas

The last part of what we consider to be in the Discovery Phase is filling the Incentive Mechanisms Canvas. After successfully identifying value flows in the previous stage, token engineers search for frictions to desired behaviors and point out the undesired behaviors. For example, friction to activity on an NFT marketplace might be respecting royalty fees by marketplace owners since it reduces value flowing to the seller.

source: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFDTNKsIJs/8Ky9EoJJI7p98qKLIu2XNw/view#7

Design Phase of Token Engineering Process

The second stage of the Token Engineering Process is the Design Phase in which you make use of high-level descriptions from the previous step to come up with a specific design of the project. This will include everything that can be usually found in crypto whitepapers (e.g. governance mechanisms, incentive mechanisms, token supply, etc). After finishing the design, token engineers should represent the whole value flow and transactional logic on detailed visual diagrams. These diagrams will be a basis for creating mathematical models in the Deployment Phase. 

Token Engineering Artonomous Design Diagram
Artonomous design diagram, source: Artonomous GitHub

Objective Function

Every crypto project has some objective. The objective can consist of many goals, such as decentralization or token price. The objective function is a mathematical function assigning weights to different factors that influence the main objective in the order of their importance. This function will be a reference for machine learning algorithms in the next steps. They will try to find quantitative parameters (e.g. network fees) that maximize the output of this function.
Modified Metcalfe’s Law can serve as an inspiration during that step. It’s a framework for valuing crypto projects, but we believe that after adjustments it can also be used in this context.

Deployment Phase of Token Engineering Process

The Deployment Phase is final, but also the most demanding step in the process. It involves the implementation of machine learning algorithms that test our assumptions and optimize quantitative parameters. Token Engineering draws from Nassim Taleb’s concept of Antifragility and extensively uses feedback loops to make a system that gains from arising shocks.

Agent-based Modelling 

In agent-based modeling, we describe a set of behaviors and goals displayed by each agent participating in the system (this is why previous steps focused so much on describing stakeholders). Each agent is controlled by an autonomous AI and continuously optimizes his strategy. He learns from his experience and can mimic the behavior of other agents if he finds it effective (Reinforced Learning). This approach allows for mimicking real users, who adapt their strategies with time. An example adaptive agent would be a cryptocurrency trader, who changes his trading strategy in response to experiencing a loss of money.

Monte Carlo Simulations

Token Engineers use the Monte Carlo method to simulate the consequences of various possible interactions while taking into account the probability of their occurrence. By running a large number of simulations it’s possible to stress-test the project in multiple scenarios and identify emergent risks.

Testnet Deployment

If possible, it's highly beneficial for projects to extend the testing phase even further by letting real users use the network. Idea is the same as in agent-based testing - continuous optimization based on provided metrics. Furthermore, in case the project considers airdropping its tokens, giving them to early users is a great strategy. Even though part of the activity will be disingenuine and airdrop-oriented, such strategy still works better than most.

Time Duration

Token engineering process may take from as little as 2 weeks to as much as 5 months. It depends on the project category (Layer 1 protocol will require more time, than a simple DApp), and security requirements. For example, a bank issuing its digital token will have a very low risk tolerance.

Required Skills for Token Engineering

Token engineering is a multidisciplinary field and requires a great amount of specialized knowledge. Key knowledge areas are:

  • Systems Engineering
  • Machine Learning
  • Market Research
  • Capital Markets
  • Current trends in Web3
  • Blockchain Engineering
  • Statistics

Summary

The token engineering process consists of 3 steps: Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase. It’s utilized mostly by established blockchain projects, and financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund. Even though it’s a very resource-consuming process, we believe it’s worth it. Projects that went through scrupulous design and testing before launch are much more likely to receive VC funding and be in the 10% of crypto projects that survive the bear market. Going through that process also has a symbolic meaning - it shows that the project is long-term oriented.

If you're looking to create a robust tokenomics model and go through institutional-grade testing please reach out to contact@nextrope.com. Our team is ready to help you with the token engineering process and ensure your project’s resilience in the long term.

FAQ

What does token engineering process look like?

  • Token engineering process is conducted in a 3-step methodical fashion. This includes Discovery Phase, Design Phase, and Deployment Phase. Each of these stages should be tailored to the specific needs of a project.

Is token engineering meant only for big projects?

  • We recommend that even small projects go through a simplified design and optimization process. This increases community's trust and makes sure that the tokenomics doesn't have any obvious flaws.

How long does the token engineering process take?

  • It depends on the project and may range from 2 weeks to 5 months.

What is Berachain? 🐻 ⛓️ + Proof-of-Liquidity Explained

Karolina

18 Mar 2024
What is Berachain? 🐻 ⛓️ + Proof-of-Liquidity Explained

Enter Berachain: a high-performance, EVM-compatible blockchain that is set to redefine the landscape of decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain services. Built on the innovative Proof-of-Liquidity consensus and leveraging the robust Polaris framework alongside the CometBFT consensus engine, Berachain is poised to offer an unprecedented blend of efficiency, security, and user-centric benefits. Let's dive into what makes it a groundbreaking development in the blockchain ecosystem.

What is Berachain?

Overview

Berachain is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 (L1) blockchain that stands out through its adoption of the Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism. Designed to address the critical challenges faced by decentralized networks. It introduces a cutting-edge approach to blockchain governance and operations.

Key Features

  • High-performance Capabilities. Berachain is engineered for speed and scalability, catering to the growing demand for efficient blockchain solutions.
  • EVM Compatibility. It supports all Ethereum tooling, operations, and smart contract languages, making it a seamless transition for developers and projects from the Ethereum ecosystem.
  • Proof-of-Liquidity.This novel consensus mechanism focuses on building liquidity, decentralizing stake, and aligning the interests of validators and protocol developers.

MUST READ: Docs

EVM-Compatible vs EVM-Equivalent

EVM-Compatible

EVM compatibility means a blockchain can interact with Ethereum's ecosystem to some extent. It can interact supporting its smart contracts and tools but not replicating the entire EVM environment.

EVM-Equivalent

An EVM-equivalent blockchain, on the other hand, aims to fully replicate Ethereum's environment. It ensures complete compatibility and a smooth transition for developers and users alike.

Berachain's Position

Berachain can be considered an "EVM-equivalent-plus" blockchain. It supports all Ethereum operations, tooling, and additional functionalities that optimize for its unique Proof-of-Liquidity and abstracted use cases.

Berachain Modular First Approach

At the heart of Berachain's development philosophy is the Polaris EVM framework. It's a testament to the blockchain's commitment to modularity and flexibility. This approach allows for the easy separation of the EVM runtime layer, ensuring that Berachain can adapt and evolve without compromising on performance or security.

Proof Of Liquidity Overview

High-Level Model Objectives

  • Systemically Build Liquidity. By enhancing trading efficiency, price stability, and network growth, Berachain aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications.
  • Solve Stake Centralization. The PoL consensus works to distribute stake more evenly across the network, preventing monopolization and ensuring a decentralized, secure blockchain.
  • Align Protocols and Validators. Berachain encourages a symbiotic relationship between validators and the broader protocol ecosystem.

Proof-of-Liquidity vs Proof-of-Stake

Unlike traditional Proof of Stake (PoS), which often leads to stake centralization and reduced liquidity, Proof of Liquidity (PoL) introduces mechanisms to incentivize liquidity provision and ensure a fairer, more decentralized network. Berachain separates the governance token (BGT) from the chain's gas token (BERA) and incentives liquidity through BEX pools. Berachain's PoL aims to overcome the limitations of PoS, fostering a more secure and user-centric blockchain.

Berachain EVM and Modular Approach

Polaris EVM

Polaris EVM is the cornerstone of Berachain's EVM compatibility, offering developers an enhanced environment for smart contract execution that includes stateful precompiles and custom modules. This framework ensures that Berachain not only meets but exceeds the capabilities of the traditional Ethereum Virtual Machine.

CometBFT

The CometBFT consensus engine underpins Berachain's network, providing a secure and efficient mechanism for transaction verification and block production. By leveraging the principles of Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT), CometBFT ensures the integrity and resilience of the Berachain blockchain.

Conclusion

Berachain represents a significant leap forward in blockchain technology, combining the best of Ethereum's ecosystem with innovative consensus mechanisms and a modular development approach. As the blockchain landscape continues to evolve, Berachain stands out as a promising platform for developers, users, and validators alike, offering a scalable, efficient, and inclusive environment for decentralized applications and services.

Resources

For those interested in exploring further, a wealth of resources is available, including the Berachain documentation, GitHub repository, and community forums. It offers a compelling vision for the future of blockchain technology, marked by efficiency, security, and community-driven innovation.

FAQ

How is Berachain different?

  • It integrates Proof-of-Liquidity to address stake centralization and enhance liquidity, setting it apart from other blockchains.

Is Berachain EVM-compatible?

  • Yes, it supports Ethereum's tooling and smart contract languages, facilitating easy migration of dApps.

Can it handle high transaction volumes?

  • Yes, thanks to the Polaris framework and CometBFT consensus engine, it's built for scalability and high throughput.