The technological evolution of Ethereum has moved beyond incremental improvements—Vitalik Buterin envisions a new model of P2P networks

Recently, Vitalik Buterin discussed in detail how the so-called "trilemma" faced by Ethereum is being addressed. Specifically, a protocol design that simultaneously achieves decentralization, consensus mechanisms, and high bandwidth is becoming a reality through implementation code on the mainnet.

**Technical Milestone: The Launch of PeerDAS and ZK-EVM**

Notably, PeerDAS has officially gone live on the Ethereum mainnet. According to Vitalik, this is not just a gradual optimization but a fundamental transformation of the entire protocol. Data availability sampling (PeerDAS) eliminates the need for all nodes to copy all data, fundamentally improving network efficiency.

At the same time, ZK-EVM has moved beyond the alpha stage and evolved to a production-level performance. Current development efforts are focused on security enhancements, with final adjustments underway for operational deployment.

**Insights from Historical Comparisons**

Vitalik provided a historical perspective to help understand the significance of these achievements. BitTorrent achieved high bandwidth but lacked consensus mechanisms. Bitcoin gained consensus but was limited by full replication requirements. Ethereum aims to overcome both challenges simultaneously by introducing PeerDAS and ZK-EVM, achieving all three elements at once.

**Gradual Deployment Post-2026**

Vitalik predicts a roadmap beyond 2026. As new mechanisms like BAL and ePBS progress, gas limits will be gradually increased, and there will be real revenue opportunities through the operation of ZK-EVM nodes.

Between 2026 and 2028, foundational improvements are planned, including re-calculating gas prices, adjusting state structures, and migrating to blobs in the execution layer. Subsequently, from 2027 to 2030, ZK-EVM is expected to evolve into the mainstream method for network block verification, enabling further increases in gas limits.

**Transition to Decentralized Block Construction**

As a long-term goal, Vitalik emphasized the importance of decentralized block construction. It is essential to avoid situations where blocks are fully constructed at a single point, and to distribute block-building rights through mechanisms inside and outside the protocol. This minimizes the risk of centralized intervention and helps create a fairer, more resilient network.

Ethereum's evolution is a complex process involving multiple simultaneous technological innovations, but what lies ahead is the realization of a truly decentralized blockchain network.