Constant Stream of New Stakers Leading to Proposal for Ethereum Validator Cap
The Ethereum network has seen a surge in new staking participants, with the current number of validators reaching approximately 800,000. This influx of validators has prompted discussions regarding the need for a cap on the number of new entrants to the staking pool on any given day.
Proponents of the cap argue that the current churn limit of 12 new validators per epoch is unsustainable in the long term. This limit translates to 2,700 validators, 86,400 ETH, or approximately $138,000,000 per day. To address this concern, a proposal has been made to implement a hard cap on the number of new validators.
The proposal, detailed in the Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 7514, suggests the introduction of a queue to control the influx of new validators. As the Ethereum network continues to grow, the capacity of this queue would increase. The aim is to prevent the network from becoming overloaded and ensure its smooth functionality.
However, implementing a hard cap is not without its challenges. Critics argue that such a measure could hinder the decentralization of the network and limit participation from potential validators. Striking a balance between scalability and decentralization will be a crucial consideration for the Ethereum community moving forward.
As Ethereum continues to gain traction and attract more participants, finding effective solutions to manage the influx of new validators will be essential. The network’s long-term sustainability and functionality hang in the balance, requiring careful consideration and collaboration among stakeholders.
[Source: Proposed hard cap on Ethereum validators](https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7514)
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