The Surge: How Ethereum plans to achieve revolutionary scalability

Ethereum continues its evolution as a decentralized platform, preparing for global scaling. The Surge is an ambitious phase of network upgrades aimed at achieving throughput of over 100,000 transactions per second (TPS) while maintaining decentralization and security. This ETH upgrade is a key step in the long-term development roadmap that will transform Ethereum into a globally scalable blockchain infrastructure.

Why is The Surge necessary for Ethereum?

Currently, Ethereum processes only 15–30 TPS at Layer 1, which is insufficient for global applications during peak loads. While the base network operates stably for most operations, periods of high activity cause congestion and increased gas fees, limiting the platform’s competitiveness.

The Surge addresses this issue through a comprehensive approach that includes Layer 2 scaling, data availability optimization, and improvements to Layer 1 itself. Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin introduced this concept as part of a long-term roadmap that views the network as a single ecosystem rather than separate layers.

Main goals of the upgrade

The primary goal is to reach 100,000+ TPS in a combined Layer 1 and Layer 2 ecosystem without sacrificing decentralization. The second goal is to enable any user to run a node with minimal resources, preserving true network decentralization. The third goal is to ensure seamless interaction between layers, where moving assets will be as simple as a regular ETH transfer.

The role of Layer 2 solutions in The Surge

Layer 2 rollups become the backbone of Ethereum scaling. These solutions aggregate numerous off-chain transactions and publish their compressed summaries on the blockchain, significantly reducing the load on Layer 1.

There are two main types of rollups:

Optimistic rollups assume all transactions are valid by default, verifying them only if disputes arise. This approach provides high processing speed.

ZK-rollups use zero-knowledge proofs for instant verification of each transaction. This method offers higher security and speed simultaneously.

According to L2Beat, the total value locked (TVL) in Layer 2 networks exceeded $38 billion in the past year, growing by 216%. Rollups like Arbitrum, Optimism, and zkSync already demonstrate practical efficiency, with ETH transfer costs ranging from $0.24 to $0.78.

Innovations in data availability

Data Availability Sampling (DAS) — a technological breakthrough that allows nodes to verify data without fully downloading it. This is critical for scaling, as it enables the network to process larger volumes of information while maintaining decentralization.

PeerDAS organizes verification via a peer-to-peer network, where each node tests only a fragment of the shared data. Collective verification ensures reliability without centralization.

2D DAS evolves this concept by verifying not only individual data but also their interconnections, enhancing network security.

Plasma and data compression as additional scaling levers

Plasma processes transactions off the main chain, passing only their compressed summaries to the blockchain. This reduces the need to store data on Layer 1 and lowers fees.

Data compression makes transactions themselves more compact. For example, moving from standard signatures to BLS signatures allows combining multiple signatures into one, saving space on the blockchain.

These methods are especially useful for Layer 2 networks handling large volumes of operations.

Strategic Roadmap: From Theory to Implementation

###Q1 2024 – Launch of Proto-Danksharding

The Dencun upgrade introduced EIP-4844, which implemented “blob data” — a special data structure for more efficient transmission of rollup information. This laid the foundation for scaling Layer 2 solutions and allowed them to optimize gas costs.

###2024–2025 – Rollup expansion and cryptography improvements

Major rollups will implement updates to increase throughput. New cryptographic proofs, including SNARKs, will strengthen verification reliability. DAS systems will expand to support transformative transaction volumes.

###End of 2025 – Gas optimization and Layer 1 enhancements

Implementation of EOF (Ethereum Object Format) will make smart contract execution more efficient. Multidimensional gas pricing will split fees based on resource type (computation, data, storage), ensuring fairer payments.

###2026 and beyond – Full Danksharding

Transition from Proto-Danksharding to full Danksharding will divide Ethereum data into multiple shards, each processed in parallel. This is a crucial step toward achieving 100,000+ TPS.

###After 2026 – Post-quantum security and integration

Implementation of post-quantum cryptography will ensure long-term protection against quantum computing threats. Ethereum will continue optimizing interactions between Layer 2 for the most seamless user experience.

Strengthening Layer 1: Internal improvements

Although rollups handle most off-chain transactions, Layer 1 itself needs modernization.

Increasing gas limits will allow processing more operations per block, without excessively increasing node maintenance costs that could threaten decentralization.

EOF (Ethereum Object Format) will optimize smart contract bytecode, reducing gas costs for developers and users.

Multidimensional gas pricing will differentiate fees based on the nature of resources used by transactions.

Native rollups integrated into the protocol will enable Ethereum to run parallel versions of EVM, similar to a railway station with multiple tracks, each functioning independently.

Practical impact on users and developers

###For users

Reducing gas fees will be the most noticeable improvement. Layer 2 solutions already offer significantly cheaper services compared to Layer 1, but The Surge will have an even more substantial effect.

Seamless interaction between layers means users won’t need complex bridges to transfer assets. Ethereum will feel like a single platform with a unified experience.

###For developers

Faster transactions will allow DeFi app developers, blockchain games, and NFT platforms to create more complex functionalities without fear of network overload.

Improved throughput means that reduced delays will increase user satisfaction and stimulate innovation within the ecosystem.

Security challenges of scaling

Rapid growth in throughput complicates security assurance. Cryptographic verification systems for rollups must remain protected from potential vulnerabilities.

A long-term risk is the advent of quantum computers. Ethereum has begun researching post-quantum cryptography to prevent future threats.

Vision after The Surge

The Surge is just one stage of Ethereum’s ambitious roadmap. Future phases include:

The Splurge — various improvements in gas pricing and transaction formats.

The Verge — enhancing consensus efficiency through stateless clients.

The Purge — optimizing the network by reducing redundant data.

The long-term goal is to create a blockchain capable of supporting millions of users while maintaining decentralization and security.

Conclusions

The Surge represents a critical step in transforming Ethereum into a globally scalable platform. Through the synergy of rollups, innovations in data availability, and improvements to Layer 1 itself, the network aims to reach over 100,000 TPS without compromising decentralization.

While the technology is complex, the practical results will be direct: lower fees, faster transactions, and more accessible decentralized services for millions of users.

However, scaling also carries risks. Potential vulnerabilities in Layer 2 systems, temporary outages, and fee fluctuations may occur during the transition. Developers and users must stay informed and adapt as Ethereum evolves.

The Surge lays the foundation for a decentralized blockchain future, but like any major upgrade, it will require careful monitoring and ongoing adjustments to ensure long-term success. This is just the beginning of an ambitious journey toward a globally accessible infrastructure.