Proto-Danksharding vs Full Danksharding: Two Stages of Ethereum Scalability

Proto-Danksharding: Current Practice

What is Proto-Danksharding introduced by Ethereum’s Cancun upgrade through EIP-4844? Simply put, it is an intermediate step toward a truly scalable Ethereum. This technology allows Layer 2 solutions (such as rollups) to add cheaper data storage space to blocks, directly reducing users’ transaction costs.

Rather than being the final solution, Proto-Danksharding is paving the way for full Danksharding. It is expected to increase Layer 2 transaction throughput to between 100-10,000 tps while significantly lowering gas fees. The key innovation is the introduction of the “blob” transaction type, giving rollups a dedicated, cost-effective data storage layer.

Ambitions and Potential of Full Danksharding

The real Danksharding is the ultimate goal for Ethereum scalability. This concept was proposed by Ethereum researcher Dankrad Feist and represents a complete overhaul of the network architecture.

The core innovation of full Danksharding lies in adopting a unified fee market design. Unlike traditional multi-creator distributed models, it relies on a single block proposer. This simplified structure enables smoother transaction processing and brings true scalability to Ethereum.

How Sharding Changes Network Structure

Imagine a blockchain network with 1,000 nodes. In a traditional architecture, each node must verify and store all transactions — a huge burden. Sharding changes all that.

The network is divided into multiple independent sub-networks. Suppose the network has two shards: the first shard handles account transactions from addresses “A” to “E,” and the second from “F” to “J.” Each shard independently verifies transactions within its range, greatly reducing the computational load on individual nodes.

In Ethereum 2.0’s design, this will scale up to 64 shards. Each shard works in parallel, collectively building a network with double the capacity — theoretically, full Danksharding could reach over 100,000 tps.

Key Differences Between the Two Paths

Why is Proto-Danksharding So Important?

Proto-Danksharding is not a compromise but a wise transitional solution. It allows the Ethereum community to gain tangible performance benefits while waiting for full Danksharding. With the implementation of EIP-4844, users of Layer 2 protocols are already experiencing lower fees.

This technology proves one fact: action is not delayed until perfection. Proto-Danksharding optimizes data availability for rollups, making it a truly efficient scalability solution.

Outlook: From Prototype to Full Implementation

Full Danksharding represents Ethereum’s long-term vision. By dividing the network into 64 parallel shards, each verified by independent nodes handling transactions and smart contract execution within its range, Ethereum will achieve a fundamental leap in performance.

Proto-Danksharding has already opened this door. When full Danksharding is finally deployed, it will build upon the foundation laid by Proto-Danksharding, transforming Ethereum from a single-threaded network into a true global computing platform. Although this process is long, every step is moving toward this goal.