The Ethereum Foundation has released a draft technical vision called the “Strawmap,” outlining a path to 2029 to drastically increase network speed and finality. The plan involves gradually reducing block times and overhauling peer-to-peer systems, while also preparing for quantum computing risks. This long-term roadmap emerges as Ethereum faces mixed signals, with development activity recovering but its dominance in decentralized finance challenged by competitors like Solana.
The Ethereum Foundation has proposed a technical vision aiming to transform the network into a high-performance “Gigagas” system by 2029. This draft “Strawmap” roadmap emphasizes that it is a proposal, not a mandate, to preserve the network’s decentralized image.
Its primary focus is reducing latency by gradually cutting slot times from 12 seconds down to as low as 2 seconds. To achieve this speed safely, the plan includes upgrading Ethereum’s peer-to-peer system with techniques like erasure coding.
Another key goal is improving transaction finality, which currently can take up to 16 minutes. The roadmap proposes a new algorithm that could eventually reduce finality to between 8 and 16 seconds.
The plan also introduces quantum-resistant signatures to mitigate future risks. Vitalik Buterin has admitted that real-world limits, like global internet latency, present major challenges to these theoretical reductions.
This long-term planning comes during a complex period for Ethereum. Development activity has recovered recently, and the price has seen a small relief rally to around $2,066, as data shows.
However, on-chain sentiment remains volatile, suggesting fragile confidence. Furthermore, Solana processed over $117 billion in DEX volume in January, more than double Ethereum’s $52 billion, indicating competitive pressure.
In response, Buterin is advocating for a broader vision where Ethereum becomes the backbone for decentralized AI. The network’s future stability will require sustained momentum alongside these technical upgrades.
