Ethereum developers launched the Steklo testnet to demonstrate one method of merging two iterations of the network and explore a new way to execute and complete transactions.
As part of the ETH Global Scaling Hackathon project called Rayonism, developers from several Ethereum software labs have launched a testnet with ETH1 and ETH2 clients. One researcher called this network “the post-merger ETH1-ETH2 super experimental testnet.”
The Steklo testnet aims to explore a new way of executing and completing transactions. The original idea of the main Ethereum developers was to keep adding updates to Ethereum 2.0 until the current version of the network is replaced.
Rayonism’s new approach – if adopted – will support and merge two different chains. Transactions will take place on the current network, while consensus or completion of those transactions will take place on Ethereum 2.0. But for proof of concept, developers will first need a Steklo testnet.
The network launch work involved the collaboration of three ETH1 clients – Geth, Besu and Nethermind, as well as ETH2 clients – Teku, Prysm, Lighthouse and Nimbus. Besu Senior Product Manager Sajida Zouarhi said this is all part of the process of developing a better network:
“We look forward to learning Ethereum scaling techniques at the Rayonism hackathon. Specifically, what do we need to move to Ethereum 2.0 in terms of specs, performance and development. So we are experimenting with ETH1-ETH2 fusion and sharding testnets to figure it out. ”
Nevertheless, according to Zuarchi, “the Steklo test network will not work for long – no more than a day.” Ethereum Foundation researcher Diederik Loerakker said a longer testnet is due to launch next week.
“Steklo is just the first of many steps towards ETH2,” Zuarchi said.
Recall that Ethereum 2.0 recently reached a new important milestone – the number of ETH blocked in the network’s deposit contract reached 4 million coins. This amount has more than quadrupled since the start of the signal chain in December.
