Ethereum’s latest update, Dencun, has finally arrived, sparking hope for lower user fees on the network. Before the update, the average gas fee on Ethereum was at a high of 66 Gwei, making transactions costly. But with the Dencun update, the network aims to address this issue through proto-danksharding, a key component of the EIP-4844 proposal.

Impact of Dencun on the Crypto Ecosystem

Grayscale analysts believe that the full implementation of the Dencun update is essential for Ethereum to become the most secure blockchain for decentralized applications (dapps). The rise of layer-2 blockchains is expected to bring in more competition as they vie for users.

According to reports, Ethereum’s network effects and liquidity benefits make it attractive for new financial applications and developers. The growth of layer-2 networks like zkSync, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base has also drawn new users to the Ethereum ecosystem.

Expert Insights on Gas Fees

Ansgar Dietrichs, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, highlighted that the Dencun update streamlines protocols on the network, reducing congestion for roll-ups. The update aims to improve scalability and efficiency on the Ethereum network.

Max Wadington, an analyst at Fidelity Investments, noted that fee reductions for layer-2 users may not directly impact Ethereum network users. To benefit from lower fees, users may need to transact on layer-2 solutions, sacrificing some decentralization and security.

Philippe Schommers, head of infrastructure at Gnosis, praised the innovation behind the new “blob” transactions introduced by proto-danksharding, emphasizing the progress in scalability for Ethereum.

Expectations vs. Reality on Lower Fees

Before the Dencun update, IntoTheBlock experts predicted a decrease in gas costs for DEX swaps on layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base. Following the update, the Ethereum network experienced fluctuations in gas fees, with some layer-2 chains seeing a decline.

Users observed a reduction in Ethereum’s Gwei and fees for layer-2 networks post-update, signaling a positive impact on transaction costs. Optimism network, in particular, showed a significant decrease in fees.

Cautious Optimism for Ethereum’s Future

While developers proceed cautiously with the Dencun update, the overall sentiment is optimistic about Ethereum’s growth and the potential for reduced fees. The update has already shown promising results, with lower fees and increased user adoption.

As Ethereum continues to evolve, it is essential for users to stay informed about updates and changes in the network to make informed decisions about their transactions. Stay tuned for more news and updates on Global Crypto News.