Ethereum is entering a transformative phase in its evolution, with co-founder Vitalik Buterin unveiling an ambitious vision to scale the network to over 100,000 transactions per second (TPS). This next-stage initiative, known as "The Surge," aims to dramatically enhance Ethereum’s scalability while preserving its core principles: decentralization, security, and trustlessness. By integrating advanced cryptographic techniques and reimagining Layer 2 (L2) interoperability, Ethereum is laying the foundation for a unified, high-performance blockchain ecosystem.
The Evolution of Ethereum’s Scaling Strategy
Ethereum’s journey toward scalability began with two parallel paths: sharding and Layer 2 protocols like state channels and Plasma. In its early roadmap, sharding was envisioned as a way to distribute the network’s data load across multiple nodes, allowing each to process only a fraction of transactions—similar to how peer-to-peer systems like BitTorrent operate.
At the same time, Layer 2 solutions were developed to offload computation from the main chain while still relying on Ethereum’s robust security model. The breakthrough came in 2019 with the rise of rollups, which bundle transactions off-chain and post compressed data back to Layer 1 (L1). This innovation aligned perfectly with advances in data availability verification, merging both strategies into what is now the rollup-centric roadmap—the backbone of Ethereum’s current scaling efforts.
👉 Discover how next-gen blockchain scaling is reshaping decentralized ecosystems.
Core Goals of The Surge
Buterin’s updated vision for The Surge outlines several critical objectives:
- Achieve over 100,000 TPS across L1 and L2 networks
- Maintain the decentralization and resilience of Ethereum’s base layer
- Ensure at least some L2s fully inherit Ethereum’s core values: trustlessness, openness, and censorship resistance
- Maximize interoperability between L2s to create a seamless user experience
This isn’t just about speed—it’s about building a cohesive, scalable, and secure environment where users and developers can interact across chains without friction.
Key Technologies Powering The Surge
Data Availability Sampling (DAS)
One of the primary bottlenecks in current rollup performance is on-chain data bandwidth. Today, Ethereum’s L1 can only support around 174 TPS for rollups due to limitations in how much data can be posted per block.
To overcome this, Ethereum plans to implement PeerDAS, a one-dimensional sampling technique that allows nodes to verify data availability without downloading entire datasets. The medium-term target is 16 MB of data per slot, which—when combined with improved rollup compression—could enable up to ~58,000 TPS.
Looking further ahead, two-dimensional DAS (2D DAS) could offer even greater efficiency by organizing data in grids and enabling more sophisticated sampling methods. However, this approach introduces higher complexity and requires rigorous safety proofs.
“We need much more work figuring out the ideal version of 2D DAS and proving its safety properties,” Buterin noted.
Transaction Data Compression
Reducing the size of transaction data is equally vital. Ethereum is exploring multiple compression techniques:
- BLS signature aggregation: Combines multiple digital signatures into one, reducing overhead.
- Pointer-based addressing: Replaces full addresses with references to historical data entries.
- Custom serialization formats: Uses compact representations for common values (e.g., currency amounts) via decimal floating-point encoding or value dictionaries.
These optimizations could significantly shrink the data footprint of each transaction, enabling more throughput within existing bandwidth limits.
Generalized Plasma with SNARKs
While rollups dominate today’s L2 landscape, Plasma remains a promising alternative—especially when enhanced with SNARKs (Succinct Non-interactive Arguments of Knowledge). Generalized Plasma chains can process transactions off-chain while providing cryptographic proofs of validity on-chain.
Even partial asset protection through Plasma improves upon existing ultra-scalable models like validiums, which rely on trusted data availability committees. With SNARK-powered Plasma, Ethereum could support specialized use cases requiring high throughput without compromising security.
Advancing Trustless Rollups
Most rollups today are not fully trustless—they depend on security councils or centralized sequencers that can override transaction finality. Buterin stresses the need to evolve toward Stage 2 rollups, which are:
- Fully trustless
- Backed by formal verification
- Resistant to censorship and manipulation
A key step involves creating a formally verified SNARK prover for a minimal virtual machine that aligns with the EVM specification. This ensures mathematical certainty that proofs are valid and consistent with Ethereum’s execution rules.
Additionally, deploying multi-prover systems—where multiple independent proof engines validate the same state—adds redundancy. If all provers agree, no single entity (including a security council) can interfere.
👉 Explore how cryptographic proofs are securing the future of decentralized networks.
Enhancing Cross-Layer Interoperability
For Ethereum to feel like a unified platform, seamless interaction between L2s is essential. Buterin proposes several improvements:
- Chain-specific addresses: Embedding chain identifiers directly into user addresses simplifies cross-L2 transfers.
- Standardized payment requests: Enable secure, easy payment initiation across different rollups.
- New protocol standards: Such as ERC-7683 for efficient asset exchange and RIP-7755 for cross-chain gas payments.
These standards aim to eliminate fragmentation and make multi-chain usage intuitive—even for non-technical users.
Strengthening User Autonomy
Buterin also emphasizes the importance of light clients and keystore wallets that allow users to verify chain state independently, without relying on third-party RPC providers. This shift empowers individuals to maintain control over their keys and validate transactions directly—enhancing privacy and reducing centralization risks.
“Our ability to handle this problem successfully is a test of our ability to stick together as a community,” Buterin stated.
The Role of Layer 1 in a Scalable Future
While L2s handle most transaction volume, Layer 1 must remain strong. Buterin highlights three key strategies for L1 enhancement:
- Increasing the gas limit – Allows more transactions per block.
- Reducing operation costs via EOF (EVM Object Format) – Makes smart contract execution cheaper and more efficient.
- Exploring native rollups – Integrating rollup functionality directly into the protocol.
A crucial question remains: What should live on L1 versus L2? The answer lies in balance—preserving L1 as a secure settlement layer while empowering L2s to innovate freely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is The Surge in Ethereum’s roadmap?
A: The Surge is a phase focused on scaling Ethereum to over 100,000 TPS using rollups, data availability sampling, and enhanced interoperability—all while maintaining decentralization and security.
Q: How will Ethereum reach 100,000 TPS?
A: Through a combination of increased data bandwidth (e.g., 16 MB per slot), advanced data compression, PeerDAS/2D DAS sampling, and optimized rollup architectures.
Q: Are current rollups fully secure?
A: Many are not yet fully trustless—they often rely on centralized security councils. The goal is to transition to Stage 2 rollups with formal verification and multi-prover systems.
Q: What role do SNARKs play in Ethereum’s future?
A: SNARKs enable compact, verifiable proofs for off-chain computations, enhancing scalability and security in both rollups and generalized Plasma chains.
Q: Why is cross-L2 interoperability important?
A: Without seamless communication between L2s, users face friction and fragmentation. Interoperability creates a unified experience across the Ethereum ecosystem.
Q: Will Ethereum abandon sharding?
A: No—sharding evolved into data sharding focused on availability. It now supports rollups via DAS rather than processing transactions directly.
👉 Learn how you can engage with scalable blockchain networks today.
Final Thoughts
Vitalik Buterin’s vision for The Surge represents a pivotal moment in Ethereum’s development. By pushing the boundaries of scalability without sacrificing decentralization, Ethereum aims to become not just faster—but fundamentally more accessible and unified.
The path forward involves technical innovation, community coordination, and relentless focus on core values. As rollup technology matures and new protocols emerge, Ethereum continues its transformation into a truly global, open infrastructure for decentralized applications.
Now, the task is clear: complete the rollup-centric roadmap, solve lingering challenges, and preserve what makes Ethereum unique—its resilience, openness, and unwavering commitment to decentralization.