Ethereum’s validators are not just adapting to change, but are set to take on enhanced and empowering roles with the introduction of EIP-7732, known as the Enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation (PBS) proposal. This pivotal upgrade revolutionizes Ethereum block validation by logically and temporally separating execution validation from consensus validation, thereby placing more responsibility and trust in the hands of the validators, making them feel more valued and integral to the Ethereum ecosystem.
Significant Changes for Ethereum Validators
With EIP-7732, Ethereum validators will have new responsibilities, including the option to become builders and the duty to submit payload timeliness attestations. This proposal addresses several critical issues in the current system, in which most beacon block proposers outsource execution payload construction to third-party builders.
Under the existing model, proposers request the hash tree root (HTR) of a promised execution payload and submit a SignedBlindedBeaconBlock to a trusted party. This party then replaces the HTR with the whole execution payload from the builder before broadcasting. EIP-7732 ensures fair exchanges between the beacon block proposer and the builder, guaranteeing that honest proposers and builders are compensated appropriately, thereby instilling a sense of fairness and transparency in the process for the validators, making them feel secure and confident in their roles.
Currently, validators have a brief window to handle consensus and execution state transitions, check data availability, and assess the new blockchain head. The EIP changes this by initially allowing validators to focus solely on consensus state transition, deferring execution and data availability validation to the remaining slot time.
Why EIP-7732 is Crucial for Ethereum
Removing the full execution payload from the consensus block facilitates faster network propagation. It reduces the likelihood of blockchain reorganization when blob transactions are included. This is due to extended timelines for data availability checks. Validators are less likely to miss attestations, improving fork choice properties when builders produce invalid payloads. Additionally, EIP-7732 eliminates the need for trusted middleware in block construction delegation, making validators feel the efficiency and security of the Ethereum network.
The proposal does not necessitate changes to the execution layer. Still, it introduces several modifications to the consensus layer, which are detailed in the consensus-specs GitHub repository. These changes include updates to the Beacon Chain, fork choice, P2P protocols, validator guides, and a new builder guide.
Fundamental changes involve adjusting the BeaconState container to track the latest block hash, slot with an execution payload, and withdrawals root. The BeaconBlockBody now includes a signed execution payload header and a list of payload attestations. The ExecutionPayloadHeader is streamlined to track minimal information for the builder’s payload commitments.
State transition logic updates introduce new functions for processing payload attestations, execution payload headers, and withdrawal requests. Fork choice adjustments include new constants and container classes for handling child nodes, the latest messages, and store modifications. New handlers are also introduced for payload attestation messages and signed execution payload envelopes.
Benefits and Future Outlook
The EIP-7732 upgrade is not just a change but a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and fairness of Ethereum’s block validation process. By focusing on consensus first and deferring execution, the network can achieve faster propagation and reduced reorganization risk. This upgrade positions Ethereum for a more robust and secure operation, instilling a sense of optimism and hope for the future among the validators.
