Ethereum Strawmap Maps Seven Forks by 2029 with Privacy and Scaling Goals

TLDR

• Ethereum plans seven forks by 2029 to upgrade speed and security

• Layer 1 aims for 10000 TPS while Layer 2 targets 10 million TPS

• Block time may drop from 12 seconds to as low as 2 seconds

• Post quantum hash based signatures to be introduced in stages

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The Ethereum Foundation has published the Strawmap, a public roadmap that outlines protocol upgrades expected over the next decade. The document presents a structured plan to increase transaction throughput while strengthening privacy and cryptographic security.

Under the plan, Ethereum’s Layer 1 network aims to reach 10,000 transactions per second through technical refinements and embedded zero knowledge systems. Layer 2 networks are projected to scale further, with long term targets reaching up to 10 million transactions per second.

Data availability sampling and integrated zero knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines are central to these scaling efforts. The roadmap schedules seven forks by the end of 2029, with each fork introducing incremental protocol modifications.

Two named forks, Glamsterdam and Hegotá, are already confirmed for later this year. These early stages are designed to prepare the network for deeper architectural adjustments over time.

Faster Block Production and Reduced Finality

Ethereum currently operates with a 12 second slot time for block production across the network. The roadmap proposes gradual reductions following a structured pattern, potentially lowering slot time to 8, 6, 4, and eventually 2 seconds.

Vitalik Buterin explained that faster slots operate independently from most other roadmap elements. He stated that peer-to-peer networking upgrades can reduce block propagation delays and support shorter slots without reducing security.

Finality mechanisms are also scheduled for redesign under the multi year plan. At present, finality can take around 16 minutes, but the proposed model could reduce this window to between 6 and 16 seconds.

Buterin described the redesign as invasive but necessary for long-term efficiency. He said the objective is to separate slot timing from finality logic so both systems can evolve independently.

Quantum Resistance and Cryptographic Transition

The Strawmap places strong emphasis on post-quantum cryptography as part of Ethereum’s security planning. Hash-based signature schemes are expected to replace current cryptographic methods in phased upgrades.

Buterin has stated that quantum risks could emerge as early as 2028, although some industry figures consider that timeline distant. Ripple’s David Schwartz and other developers have also discussed the need for quantum-ready blockchain systems.

Bitcoin developers have proposed BIP 360 to introduce post-quantum cryptographic standards after implementation. Ethereum’s approach would allow quantum resistant block production to activate before finality protections are fully transitioned.

Buterin noted that if quantum computing capabilities advanced suddenly, the network could continue processing blocks. However, finality guarantees might require additional upgrades to maintain full protection.

Structured ETH Sales and Market Context

The roadmap release coincides with periodic Ethereum sales conducted by Buterin over recent weeks. On chain data indicates he sold between 11,000 and 17,000 ETH during the past month in multiple smaller transactions.

The estimated value of these sales ranges between 23 million and 43 million dollars. After these transactions, he retains approximately 224,000 ETH in his publicly tracked holdings.

The sales were executed in batches, which limited abrupt price movement in the market. Supporters describe the approach as a method of funding ecosystem development without external borrowing.

Critics question the broader strategy behind the liquidations, though no official link to the Strawmap has been confirmed. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s price has moved alongside broader market sentiment as technical upgrades continue to progress.

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