….imagine what the beta will be like
Erigon continues to evolve as a powerful and flexible Ethereum execution client, and we’re thrilled to announce the release of Erigon v3 Alpha 6. This release marks a pivotal shift in our strategy and features as we transition our default mode from archive to full node and intensify our focus on staking and performance optimization for staking nodes.
Key Highlights of Erigon v3
Alpha 6
1. Default Mode: Full Node
In line with the growing needs of the Ethereum ecosystem, Erigon v3 Alpha 6 changes the default configuration from archive node to full node. This shift prioritizes efficiency, accessibility, and suitability for a broader range of users and use cases. While archive nodes remain supported for developers and researchers who need complete historical data, the full node configuration delivers faster sync times and reduced resource consumption for everyday operation.
2. Introducing --prune.mode=minimal
With Erigon v3 Alpha 6, we are introducing a new mode called --prune.mode=minimal. This mode is designed for users with low disk space who still want to run a node for staking purposes. The minimal prune mode keeps only the necessary blocks required for staking operations while discarding older, non-essential data.
While this option makes it possible to operate with significantly reduced storage requirements, we encourage users to understand the tradeoffs:
- Minimal Disk Use: This mode reduces storage needs well below the typical full node requirements, offering an entry point for users with constrained hardware.
- System Control: By pruning data and managing storage efficiently, users maintain control over their system without sacrificing the ability to participate in staking.
However, to be a responsible and contributing citizen of the Ethereum network, we strongly advocate running a full node whenever possible. Full nodes ensure the network remains decentralized, resilient, and robust. Striving to run a full node not only supports the broader ecosystem but also aligns with the ethos of Ethereum’s trustless and distributed foundation.
3. Caplin: Embedded Consensus Layer with Validator Support
One of the standout features in Erigon v3 Alpha 6 is the integration of Caplin, Erigon’s embedded consensus layer (CL). Caplin not only simplifies the node operation experience but also empowers users to run a validator directly within the same client.
Validator Capabilities with Caplin
Caplin provides everything needed to participate as a validator in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network:
- Stake Management: Caplin allows users to deposit and manage the 32 ETH required to become a validator.
- Validation Operations: It performs all consensus-related tasks, including attesting to blocks, proposing new blocks, and ensuring alignment with Ethereum’s proof-of-stake requirements.
- Cross-Network Support: Caplin is fully operational on both Ethereum Mainnet and Gnosis Chain, giving users the flexibility to stake on either network.
- Integrated Operation: By embedding the consensus layer directly into Erigon, Caplin eliminates the need for separate execution and consensus clients, streamlining validator setup and reducing complexity.
Why Choose Caplin for Validating?
Caplin has been optimized for performance and usability, making it a compelling choice for validators. Key benefits include:
- Seamless Synchronization: Tight integration with Erigon’s execution layer ensures fast and reliable synchronization with the network.
- Low Bandwidth and Resource Requirements: Caplin + Erigon requires just 5MB/sec of bandwidth for ingoing and outgoing traffic when staking with one validator and can operate with 32GB of RAM and a full node size of <900GB.
- Reduced Operational Overhead: Validators can enjoy a simpler setup process without compromising on performance or reliability.
4. Addressing Erigon’s Resource Usage
Historically, Erigon has been known as a resource-intensive client. This was by design, as our focus had always been on providing the most comprehensive archive node capabilities. These capabilities came with tradeoffs, particularly when it came to full node performance and staking readiness.
With Erigon v3 Alpha 6, we’ve pivoted to prioritize staking and full nodes, making significant architectural and performance improvements to address these challenges. This means that running Erigon is no longer synonymous with high hardware demands.
- Erigon + Caplin now runs with a full node size of <900GB, making it far more accessible than the massive requirements of archive nodes.
- Bandwidth usage has been optimized to just 5MB/sec of ingoing and outgoing traffic for a staking setup with one validator.
- Memory requirements have been reduced, requiring 32 GB of RAM to run Caplin + Erigon effectively.
5. Enhanced Support for Staking
Staking has become a cornerstone of Ethereum’s proof-of-stake ecosystem, and Erigon v3 Alpha 6 is designed to meet the demands of validators. We’ve introduced several performance enhancements to optimize staking workflows, focusing on:
- Faster block validation and synchronization: To minimize downtime and ensure smooth operation for validators.
- Improved resource efficiency: Lower disk and memory usage to maximize the performance of staking nodes.
6. Performance Optimizations
We’ve continued our relentless focus on performance improvements, ensuring that Erigon remains one of the most efficient clients in the Ethereum ecosystem. Key enhancements include:
- Improved sync performance: Reduced time and resource requirements for node synchronization.
- Optimized database architecture: Enhanced storage and retrieval efficiency, especially for staking nodes.
- Streamlined codebase: Cutting-edge updates that deliver robustness and speed.
Why the Change to Full Node as the Default?
As the Ethereum network grows, the ecosystem demands clients that are not only robust but also efficient and tailored for modern use cases like staking. By transitioning our default configuration to a full node, introducing features like staking with Caplin, and offering a --prune.mode=minimal option, we aim to make Erigon the top choice for people who cannot afford high disk requirements.
Run Erigon. Stake Ethereum. Scale the future.
