Ethereum 2.0 – What does the release mean for your application?

Maciej Zieliński

18 Jan 2021
Ethereum 2.0 – What does the release mean for your application?

Ethereum 2.0, also known as Serenity is a long-awaited update to the Ethereum network, significantly improving the security and scalability of arguably the world's most popular Blockchain protocol. Above all, it will reduce power consumption and enable the network to process more transactions. The most important improvements from the technical side are to be the transformation of Ethereum into a proof-of-stake blockchain and the introduction of fragmented chains.  

Note, however, that this is a change to the Ethereum infrastructure only. Dapp users or developers and ETH holders can rest assured. Ethereum 2.0 will be fully compatible with the Ethereum 1.0 network they use today. On the other hand, they will also be able to use the ETH they own after the update. 

So why are these changes so important? On the Nextrope blog, we will try to cover everything you should know about Ethereum 2.0. 

Source: ethereum.org

Current restrictions

Released in 2015, Ethereum has quickly become the most widely used blockchain protocol (learn what blockchain protocols are and what distinguishes them from each other here). The open public system has enabled previously unseen software applications and generated billions of dollars in value. However, to realize its full potential, Ethereum still has to deal with a few limitations. 

Speed and efficiency:

Currently, Ethereum is capable of handling around 15 transactions per second. Compared to Visa or Mastercard, which are able to process up to 1,500 of them at the same time, it therefore comes off rather poorly. In addition, the process of "mining" ETH, on which verification of these transactions is based, consumes too much energy, which limits the scalability of the entire network. 

What does ETH 'mining' consist of?

Mining is the process of creating a block of transactions to be added to the Ethereum blockchain (hence blockchain). Each block contains transaction information and data such as the Hash - the unique code of the block and the hash of the previous block to which the block hash is compatible. 

Essentially, the miners' role is to process pending transactions in exchange for rewards in the form of ETH, Ethereum's native currency (2 ETH for each block generated, respectively). Generating a block requires the use of a lot of computing power, due to the difficulty level set by the Ethereum protocol. The difficulty level is proportional to the total amount of computing power used to mine Ethereum and serves as a way to protect the network from attacks, as well as to tune the rate at which subsequent blocks are created. This system of using computing power to secure and verify data is known as Proof of Work (PoW).

To maintain the security of the current Ethereum network, therefore, the high energy intensity of the mining process is necessary - making the cost of attacking the network, making any change to any of the already existing blocks, extremely high.

The problem of retaining decentralisation when scaling up 

There are, of course, Blockchain protocols such as Hyperledger Fabric or Quorumthat allow for more transactions per second. However, the higher performance in their case comes from being more centralised than Ethereum. By design, Ethereum is intended to remain a fully decentralised network, so such a solution in this case is not an option. It seems Ethereum 2.0 developers have found a way to improve performance and enable scaling without sacrificing decentralisation. 

What's new in Ethereum 2.0?

Fragmented chains (or chains of fragments) 

At the moment, all nodes in the Ethereum network have to download, read, analyse and store every previous transaction before they process a new one. Not surprisingly, Ethereum is currently unable to process more than the aforementioned 15 transactions per second. 

Ethereum 2.0 introduces fragmented chains, which are parallel blockchains that take over a fair share of the network's processing work. They allow nodes to be dispersed into subsets corresponding to fragments of the network. This ensures that each node does not have to process and store transactions from the entire network, but only those in its subset. 

Proof-of-stake in Ethereum 2.0

In Ethereum 2.0, Proof-of-Work is to be replaced by Proof-of-stake. Network security will be achieved through financial commitments rather than computing power - energy consumption. Proof-of-stake is a consensus process where ETH becomes the validator for Ethereum. The validator runs software that confirms the transaction and adds new blocks to the chain. To become a full validator, 32 ETH will be needed. However, there will be an opportunity to join a pool of smaller validators and thus offer a smaller stake. When processing transactions, validators will take care to maintain consensus over the data and thus the security of the entire network.

Proof-of-stake will drastically reduce the energy intensity of the entire network, which is a key step towards further scaling Ethereum and increasing its environmental friendliness. 

Beacon chain 

A decisive role in introducing proof of stake into Ethereum is played by the Beacon Chain, which, in simple terms, can be described as the layer that coordinates the operation of the entire system. However, unlike the core network (meinnet) present in Ethereum, it does not support accounts or smart contracts. Instead, its main task is to implement proof-of-stake protocol management for all fragmented chains (shards). It was the connection of the Beacon Chain to Ethereum that was the first step towards version 2.0 ( phase 0).

Ethereum 2.0, what will 2021 bring?

The introduction of Ethereum 2.0 developers will divide into 3 stages - phases: Phase 0, 1 and 2. In December 2020, the first one, which started in 2018, was completed. As we mentioned its main goal was to launch the Beacon chain. The success of Phase 0 will allow the start of Phase 1 in 2021 - the shard chain deployment, which will start the full-fledged transition to the Proof-of-stake protocol. The full upgrade to Ethereum 2.0 will be enabled by Phase 2 scheduled for late 2021/early 2022, this is when shard chains should start supporting all contracts and transactions. 

How might the next phases of Ethereum 2.0 implications affect ETH prices? This is a question we will certainly return to in the blog. 

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Nextrope on Economic Forum 2024: Insights from the Event

Kajetan Olas

14 Sep 2024
Nextrope on Economic Forum 2024: Insights from the Event

The 33rd Economic Forum 2024, held in Karpacz, Poland, gathered leaders from across the globe to discuss the pressing economic and technological challenges. This year, the forum had a special focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI and Cybersecurity, bringing together leading experts and policymakers.

Nextrope was proud to participate in the Forum where we showcased our expertise and networked with leading minds in the AI and blockchain fields.

Economic Forum 2024: A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

The Economic Forum in Karpacz is an annual event often referred to as the "Polish Davos," attracting over 6,000 participants, including heads of state, business leaders, academics, and experts. This year’s edition was held from September 3rd to 5th, 2024.

Key Highlights of the AI Forum and Cybersecurity Forum

The AI Forum and the VI Cybersecurity Forum were integral parts of the event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Affairs and leading Polish universities, including:

  • Cracow University of Technology
  • University of Warsaw
  • Wrocław University of Technology
  • AGH University of Science and Technology
  • Poznań University of Technology

Objectives of the AI Forum

  • Promoting Education and Innovation: The forum aimed to foster education and spread knowledge about AI and solutions to enhance digital transformation in Poland and CEE..
  • Strengthening Digital Administration: The event supported the Ministry of Digital Affairs' mission to build and strengthen the digital administration of the Polish State, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue on decentralized architecture.
  • High-Level Meetings: The forum featured closed meetings of digital ministers from across Europe, including a confirmed appearance by Volker Wissing, the German Minister for Digital Affairs.

Nextrope's Active Participation in the AI Forum

Nextrope's presence at the AI Forum was marked by our active engagement in various activities in the Cracow University of Technology and University of Warsaw zone. One of the discussion panels we enjoyed the most was "AI in education - threats and opportunities".

Our Key Activities

Networking with Leading AI and Cryptography Researchers.

Nextrope presented its contributions in the field of behavioral profilling in DeFi and established relationships with Cryptography Researchers from Cracow University of Technology and the brightest minds on Polish AI scene, coming from institutions such as Wroclaw University of Technology, but also from startups.

Panel Discussions and Workshops

Our team participated in several panel discussions, covering a variety of topics. Here are some of them

  • Polish Startup Scene.
  • State in the Blockchain Network
  • Artificial Intelligence - Threat or Opportunity for Healthcare?
  • Silicon Valley in Poland – Is it Possible?
  • Quantum Computing - How Is It Changing Our Lives?

Broadening Horizons

Besides tuning in to topics that strictly overlap with our professional expertise we decided to broaden our horizons and participated in panels about national security and cross-border cooperation.

Meeting with clients:

We had a pleasure to deepen relationships with our institutional clients and discuss plans for the future.

Networking with Experts in AI and Blockchain

A major highlight of the Economic Forum in Karpacz was the opportunity to network with experts from academia, industry, and government.

Collaborations with Academia:

We engaged with scholars from leading universities such as the Cracow University of Technology and the University of Warsaw. These interactions laid the groundwork for potential research collaborations and joint projects.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Our team connected with industry leaders, exploring opportunities for partnerships in regard to building the future of education. We met many extremely smart, yet humble people interested in joining advisory board of one of our projects - HackZ.

Exchanging Knowledge with VCs and Policymakers:

We had fruitful discussions with policymakers and very knowledgable representatives of Venture Capital. The discussions revolved around blockchain and AI regulation, futuristic education methods and dillemas regarding digital transformation in companies. These exchanges provided us with very interesting insights as well as new friendships.

Looking Ahead: Nextrope's Future in AI and Blockchain

Nextrope's participation in the Economic Forum Karpacz 2024 has solidified our position as one of the leading, deep-tech software houses in CEE. By fostering connections with academia, industry experts, and policymakers, we are well-positioned to consult our clients on trends and regulatory needs as well as implementing cutting edge DeFi software.

What's Next for Nextrope?

Continuing Innovation:

We remain committed to developing cutting-edge software solutions and designing token economies that leverage the power of incentives and advanced cryptography.

Deepening Academic Collaborations:

The partnerships formed at the forum will help us stay at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly in AI and blockchain.

Expanding Our Global Reach:

The international connections made at the forum enable us to expand our influence both in CEE and outside of Europe. This reinforces Nextrope's status as a global leader in technology innovation.

If you're looking to create a robust blockchain system 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.

Monte Carlo Simulations in Tokenomics

Kajetan Olas

01 May 2024
Monte Carlo Simulations in Tokenomics

As the web3 field grows in complexity, traditional analytical tools often fall short in capturing the dynamics of digital markets. This is where Monte Carlo simulations come into play, offering a mathematical technique to model systems fraught with uncertainty.

Monte Carlo simulations employ random sampling to understand probable outcomes in processes that are too complex for straightforward analytic solutions. By simulating thousands, or even millions, of scenarios, Monte Carlo methods can provide insights into the likelihood of different outcomes, helping stakeholders make informed decisions under conditions of uncertainty.

In this article, we will explore the role of Monte Carlo simulations within the context of tokenomics.  illustrating how they are employed to forecast market dynamics, assess risk, and optimize strategies in the volatile realm of cryptocurrencies. By integrating this powerful tool, businesses and investors can enhance their analytical capabilities, paving the way for more resilient and adaptable economic models in the digital age.

Understanding Monte Carlo Simulations

The Monte Carlo method is an approach to solving problems that involve random sampling to understand probable outcomes. This technique was first developed in the 1940s by scientists working on the atomic bomb during the Manhattan Project. The method was designed to simplify the complex simulations of neutron diffusion, but it has since evolved to address a broad spectrum of problems across various fields including finance, engineering, and research.

Random Sampling and Statistical Experimentation

At the heart of Monte Carlo simulations is the concept of random sampling from a probability distribution to compute results. This method does not seek a singular precise answer but rather a probability distribution of possible outcomes. By performing a large number of trials with random variables, these simulations mimic the real-life fluctuations and uncertainties inherent in complex systems.

Role of Randomness and Probability Distributions in Simulations

Monte Carlo simulations leverage the power of probability distributions to model potential scenarios in processes where exact outcomes cannot be determined due to uncertainty. Each simulation iteration uses randomly generated values that follow a specific statistical distribution to model different outcomes. This method allows analysts to quantify and visualize the probability of different scenarios occurring.

The strength of Monte Carlo simulations lies in the insight they offer into potential risks. They allow modelers to see into the probabilistic "what-if" scenarios that more closely mimic real-world conditions.

Monte Carlo Simulations in Tokenomics

Monte Carlo simulations are instrumental tool for token engineers. They're so useful due to their ability to model emergent behaviors. Here are some key areas where these simulations are applied:

Pricing and Valuation of Tokens

Determining the value of a new token can be challenging due to the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets. Monte Carlo simulations help by modeling various market scenarios and price fluctuations over time, allowing analysts to estimate a token's potential future value under different conditions.

Assessing Market Dynamics and Investor Behavior

Cryptocurrency markets are influenced by a myriad of factors including regulatory changes, technological advancements, and shifts in investor sentiment. Monte Carlo methods allow researchers to simulate these variables in an integrated environment to see how they might impact token economics, from overall market cap fluctuations to liquidity concerns.

Assesing Possible Risks

By running a large number of simulations it’s possible to stress-test the project in multiple scenarios and identify emergent risks. This is perhaps the most important function of Monte Carlo Process, since these risks can’t be assessed any other way.

Source: How to use Monte Carlo simulation for reliability analysis?

Benefits of Using Monte Carlo Simulations

By generating a range of possible outcomes and their probabilities, Monte Carlo simulations help decision-makers in the cryptocurrency space anticipate potential futures and make informed strategic choices. This capability is invaluable for planning token launches, managing supply mechanisms, and designing marketing strategies to optimize market penetration.

Using Monte Carlo simulations, stakeholders in the tokenomics field can not only understand and mitigate risks but also explore the potential impact of different strategic decisions. This predictive power supports more robust economic models and can lead to more stable and successful token launches. 

Implementing Monte Carlo Simulations

Several tools and software packages can facilitate the implementation of Monte Carlo simulations in tokenomics. One of the most notable is cadCAD, a Python library that provides a flexible and powerful environment for simulating complex systems. 

Overview of cadCAD configuration Components

To better understand how Monte Carlo simulations work in practice, let’s take a look at the cadCAD code snippet:

sim_config = {

    'T': range(200),  # number of timesteps

    'N': 3,           # number of Monte Carlo runs

    'M': params       # model parameters

}

Explanation of Simulation Configuration Components

T: Number of Time Steps

  • Definition: The 'T' parameter in CadCAD configurations specifies the number of time steps the simulation should execute. Each time step represents one iteration of the model, during which the system is updated. That update is based on various rules defined by token engineers in other parts of the code. For example: we might assume that one iteration = one day, and define data-based functions that predict token demand on that day.

N: Number of Monte Carlo Runs

  • Definition: The 'N' parameter sets the number of Monte Carlo runs. Each run represents a complete execution of the simulation from start to finish, using potentially different random seeds for each run. This is essential for capturing variability and understanding the distribution of possible outcomes. For example, we can acknowledge that token’s price will be correlated with the broad cryptocurrency market, which acts somewhat unpredictably.

M: Model Parameters

  • Definition: The 'M' key contains the model parameters, which are variables that influence system's behavior but do not change dynamically with each time step. These parameters can be constants or distributions that are used within the policy and update functions to model the external and internal factors affecting the system.

Importance of These Components

Together, these components define the skeleton of your Monte Carlo simulation in CadCAD. The combination of multiple time steps and Monte Carlo runs allows for a comprehensive exploration of the stochastic nature of the modeled system. By varying the number of timesteps (T) and runs (N), you can adjust the depth and breadth of the exploration, respectively. The parameters (M) provide the necessary context and ensure that each simulation is realistic.

Messy graph representing Monte Carlo simulation, source: Bitcoin Monte Carlo Simulation

Conclusion

Monte Carlo simulations represent a powerful analytical tool in the arsenal of token engineers. By leveraging the principles of statistics, these simulations provide deep insights into the complex dynamics of token-based systems. This method allows for a nuanced understanding of potential future scenarios and helps with making informed decisions.

We encourage all stakeholders in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space to consider implementing Monte Carlo simulations. The insights gained from such analytical techniques can lead to more effective and resilient economic models, paving the way for the sustainable growth and success of digital currencies.

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 is a Monte Carlo simulation in tokenomics context?

  • It's a mathematical method that uses random sampling to predict uncertain outcomes.

What are the benefits of using Monte Carlo simulations in tokenomics?

  • These simulations help foresee potential market scenarios, aiding in strategic planning and risk management for token launches.

Why are Monte Carlo simulations unique in cryptocurrency analysis?

  • They provide probabilistic outcomes rather than fixed predictions, effectively simulating real-world market variability and risk.