Ethereum L2 Networks See Dramatic Gas Cost Drop After Dencun Upgrade

Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) networks have seen a significant drop in gas costs following the implementation of the Dencun upgrade, leading to a surge in activity on the network. The Base network, in particular, is dominating the L2 scene, surpassing Arbitrum and Optimism in terms of daily active addresses and transaction volume.

Ethereum Layer-2 Networks Experience Significant Gas Cost Reduction Following Dencun Upgrade

April 7, 2024

New York, N.Y. - The Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) network has witnessed a notable milestone, resulting in a substantial decrease in transaction costs. This development, attributed to the recent implementation of the Dencun update, has spurred an increase in on-chain activity.

According to data shared by analytics platform IntoTheBlock, L2 gas costs have plummeted following the Dencun upgrade, leading to a dramatic increase in network activity. The platform reported that weekly transaction volumes have reached a peak of 32 million, showcasing the significant impact of the update.

Base Network Dominates L2 Scene

The Base Network, an Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) network, has emerged as a dominant player in the L2 ecosystem. A recent analysis by IntoTheBlock highlighted three key metrics that underscore the network's growth and leadership position:

• Daily active addresses: Base Network leads the L2 scene with approximately 890,000 daily active addresses.
• Transaction volume: The network's transaction volume has surpassed $1.6 billion, demonstrating its robust transaction volume.

Dencun Update's Key Features

The Dencun update, a hard fork that combines the Cancun execution update and the Deneb consensus update, introduced several significant enhancements to the Ethereum network:

• Data blobs (EIP-4844): Proto-danksharding, introduced through EIP-4844, improves data availability, reducing Layer 2 transaction fees.

Experts believe that these enhancements will contribute to Ethereum's scalability and security. James Wo, CEO of Digital Finance Group, emphasized the role of proto-danksharding in reducing transaction fees, while Max Wadington of Fidelity Investments cautioned that the benefits may not immediately extend to Ethereum mainnet users.

Long-Term Implications

The Dencun update is viewed as a significant step towards Ethereum's long-term goals of scalability, security, and decentralization. Analysts believe that the update will further strengthen the network's position as a leading platform for decentralized applications and smart contracts.

Positive Market Reaction

The news of reduced gas costs and increased network activity has been met with a positive response in the cryptocurrency market. Ethereum's native token, Ether (ETH), has seen a rise in value, indicating investor confidence in the network's future.

Conclusion

The Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) network's significant reduction in gas costs and the emergence of Base Network as a dominant player are positive developments that showcase the ecosystem's growth and maturity. The ongoing improvements and innovation within the Ethereum ecosystem are expected to continue in the coming years, further solidifying its position as a leading platform for decentralized applications and smart contract development.