TLDR
- Vitalik Buterin presented Ethereum’s strawmap plan to decrease slot times and shorten finality via phased upgrades.
- The proposal intends to cut slot times from 12 seconds to as little as two seconds over time.
- The plan aims for finality between six and 16 seconds using a one-round BFT-style algorithm named Minimmit.
- Developers will introduce slot reductions gradually and only after extensive testing.
- The roadmap covers seven projected forks through 2029 across consensus data and execution layers.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin detailed proposed consensus changes after the release of its new strawmap. The document outlines a long-range technical plan to speed up layer-1 upgrades through 2029. Buterin explained how the network could reduce slot times and finality under a phased approach.
Vitalik Buterin Explains “Fast L1” Vision
Vitalik Buterin characterized “fast L1” as a core target within the strawmap framework. He said the plan aims to reduce slot times and cut finality in measured steps. It currently reaches finality in about 16 minutes.
He stated that developers could lower slot times from 12 seconds to two seconds over time. He added that the network could reduce finality to between six and 16 seconds. He said a one-round BFT-style algorithm called “Minimmit” could enable this change.
Buterin said that developers would introduce reductions gradually and only after testing. He said they might apply a “sqrt(2) at a time” formula for each adjustment. He explained that this method would safeguard network stability during transitions.
A very important document. Let’s walk through this one “goal” at a time. We’ll start with fast slots and fast finality.
I expect that we’ll reduce slot time in an incremental fashion, eg. I like the “sqrt(2) at a time” formula (12 -> 8 -> 6 -> 4 -> 3 -> 2, though the last two…
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin)
He pointed to peer-to-peer networking upgrades as key support for faster slots. He said erasure coding could enhance block propagation efficiency across nodes. He also referred to architectural changes that would limit attesters per slot.
He said fewer attesters per slot would reduce signature aggregation overhead. He explained that lower overhead would help the network process blocks faster. He linked these upgrades directly to the fast L1 objective.
Strawmap Sets Long-Term Technical Direction
Ethereum Foundation researcher introduced the strawmap as a coordination tool. The document outlines five “north stars” that guide development priorities. These goals include fast L1, gigagas L1 throughput, teragas L2 scaling, post-quantum security, and native privacy.
The strawmap covers seven projected forks through 2029. It groups upgrades across consensus, data, and execution layers. The plan aims to align researchers and developers under shared objectives.
Buterin said some changes may require deep consensus adjustments. He referred to quantum-resistant hash-based signatures as part of the long-term plan. He indicated that developers may bundle such upgrades into broader transitions.
He described the potential shift as a gradual “ship of Theseus” replacement. He said developers could replace core components step by step. He clarified that the strawmap does not serve as an official roadmap.
