EigenLayer announced the launch of a new Goerli testnet - Stage 2.
Let us remind you that Stage 1 was launched in June, providing restaking on the main Ethereum network. Thanks to the TVL limit increase, 170,000 ETH was re-staked on the EigenLayer protocol.
In Stage 2, Operators can for the first time register online and begin validation for the first AVS (Actively Validated Services), EigenDA. Restakers can delegate their stake to Operators. Rollups can integrate with EigenDA to start experimenting with EigenDA's cost-effective and scalable throughput capabilities.
ETH restake > delegation to Operators > Operators validate EigenDA -> providing DA (data availability service) to rollups
EigenDA test network
EigenDA is the first AVS launched on the EigenLayer network.
EigenDA provides rollups with the ability to efficiently transfer high-throughput data using the cryptoeconomic security provided by participants who delegate their assets to EigenLayer.
The diagram above shows how data is transferred to EigenDA:
- The rollup sequencer creates a block with transactions and sends a request for data distribution.
- The Disperser encodes the data into pieces, creates a KZG obligation and KZG's multiple proofs. It then sends the commitment, chunks, and proofs to the node operators of the EigenDA network.
- Rollups can use their own Disperser or a distribution service from a third party (e.g. EigenLabs). This is done for convenience and to reduce the cost of verifying signatures. If the service does not respond or censors the data, the rollup can use its own Disperser as a fallback, while benefiting from reduced costs without losing censorship resistance.
- EigenDA nodes check the received pieces against the KZG commitment using multiple evidence, store the data and then generate and return the signature to the Disperser for aggregation.
EigenDA will provide the following benefits to the Ethereum ecosystem:
- An innovative solution for data availability (DA) in rollups, aimed at scaling Ethereum.
- A high-throughput, low-cost standard that promotes the development of new on-chain use cases. EigenDA allows you to create applications for multiplayer games, social networks and video broadcasts with a flexible cost model.
- A key component for ensuring decentralization. Shared security systems like EigenLayer prevent centralization by allowing each node operator to perform only a small amount of work, ensuring high performance while distributing tasks across participating nodes.
- A clear proof of the power of programmable trust. Ethereum stakers and validators can support critical Ethereum infrastructure.
The full set of EigenDA functions and capabilities will be gradually introduced in this testnet. EigenDA will start with an initial throughput of 1 Mbps with the participation of 30 Operators, and will gradually increase throughput to 10 Mbps with the participation of more Operators.
The AVS EigenDA summary reflects the distribution of restakes and participating Operators
Who and how can participate in the testnet?
Restakers: Restake and delegation to the Operator
Difficulty level: Easy
As a restaker, you can restake Native Goerli ETH or LST, then delegate them to the Operator. Operators choose which AVS to support. There is only one AVS option available on this testnet - EigenDA.
Official guide for restakers:
https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/restaking-guides/restaking-user-guide/stage-2-testnet
Operators
Difficulty level: Medium
In the EigenLayer protocol, Node Operators play a decisive role.
Operators are individuals or organizations participating in the EigenLayer protocol. By registering with EigenLayer, they allow ETH holders to delegate their holdings, whether in the form of original ETH or LST.
To become an Operator in the EigenLayer ecosystem, you do not need a certain number of re-staked tokens. Any Ethereum address can act as an Operator. In addition, it is possible for an address to simultaneously perform the functions of a Restaker, participating in the restaking of both LST and the original tokens, and the Operator. An operator can participate in the EigenLayer network without having re-staked tokens.
A critical condition for the Operator is to receive delegated tokens to his address. Operators can choose to self-delegate, distributing their own balance of re-staked tokens.
As an Operator, it is now possible to register on the EigenLayer network using the Operator CLI interface:
https://github.com /NethermindEth/eigenlayer
Currently, only the top 30 Delegated Stake Operators can actively participate in validation for EigenDA. This limit on the number of active Operators will gradually increase as the system is tested.
Minimum hardware and bandwidth requirements to install a node:
vCPUs: 16
Memory: 32 GB
Storage: 3.6 TB (high performance SSD drives)
EC2 equivalent: m5.4xlarge
Expected network load:
- Total download bandwidth usage: 24 Mbps
- Upload bandwidth usage: 120 Mbps
Peak network bandwidth (upload/ download): 1 Gbit/s
Official guide to raising a node for Operators:
https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/operator-guides/operator-installation< !--/noindex-->
AVS and rollup developers
Difficulty level: Hard
The third option is how to join the new testnet. It's for techies.
AVS developers can study the first example of the AVS test network - EigenDA. A demo AVS called Incredible Squaring has been created, which includes sample on-chain contracts and off-chain node software. Using these examples, developers can learn how to create their own AVS.
AVS Developer Guide:
https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/avs-guides/avs-developer-guide
Developers of rollups (L2 solutions that combine transaction data and transfer them outside the L1 network.) can implement EigenDA as a data availability layer. EigenDA is designed to provide hyperscale throughput for use cases such as high-frequency trading, social media, gaming and more.
EigenDA Implementation Guide for Developers:
Summary
The goal within the Stage 2 testnet is to train and improve the experience of users: restakers, operators, AVS and rollup developers.
The main network is planned to launch in the first half of 2024. And therefore the token.
A Stage 3 testnet is planned, which will provide new AVS beyond EigenDA. The Stage 3 testnet and mainnet are also expected to become available in 2024.
We believe that if you have the opportunity to run a node and attract stakers for delegation, it is necessary to participate. It is not known when the team will increase the limit from 30 Operators to more. Therefore, the sooner you launch a node and the more actively you start attracting people, the greater your chances of joining the next wave.
It should be noted that, according to the admin at the discoder, the testnet is not Incentivized.
Typically, such statements should be viewed with skepticism, and they also help to weed out a large number of participants.
