Bitcoin and Ethereum Upgrades Advance Quantum Resistance and Scalability
The Bitcoin ecosystem saw notable advancements in September, with the release of Bitcoin Core v32 entering its testing phase. This update includes improvements such as parallelized block validation and a new fee estimator, without altering consensus rules. StarkWare's AI-assisted code optimization competition significantly reduced the estimated cost of preparing a quantum-safe Bitcoin transaction from $320 to $66, though this figure remains unvalidated. The mechanism offers a potential emergency migration path against quantum attacks but cannot protect BTC with exposed public keys.
Developers proposed the Post-Quantum Lightning Network (PQLN) to introduce quantum-resistant protections for Lightning Network components. The proposal uses standards like ML-DSA and ML-KEM and has a testable prototype. While cryptographic overhead is low, larger public keys and signatures increase network bandwidth costs. PQLN is still in the research and prototype stage.
Ethereum's Glamsterdam upgrade progressed toward a public testnet deployment, with activation on Sepolia scheduled for October 6. Developers focused on edge cases involving BAL preservation and execution payload propagation. Testing highlighted potential disruptions from attackers exploiting free test ETH. The Hegotá upgrade narrowed its scope, with FOCIL (EIP-7805) and Frame Transactions (EIP-8141) designated as core features. The Ethereum Foundation aims for full post-quantum readiness by December 2029.
Vitalik Buterin discussed advancements in cryptographic technologies like FHE and iO, suggesting blockchains could evolve to control information visibility. EIP-8411 proposes splitting execution payloads into chunks for faster network propagation. EIP-8198, or Quick Slots, aims to reduce slot duration from 12 seconds to 10 seconds, improving transaction confirmation speed. Researchers optimized Shor’s algorithm, reducing the resources needed for a quantum attack on secp256k1 by over 50%. Buterin also introduced EIP-8288, the Recursive STARK Mempool, to reduce post-quantum signature costs.
Optimism completed its OP Stack Upgrade 20, modifying L1 contracts and the Fault Proof system. The upgrade prepares for future OP Stack Interop and cross-chain messaging capabilities.