Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping an eye on Ethereum’s evolution, you’ve probably heard the buzz around "Glamsterdam"—the next big upgrade following Fusaka. But with so many Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) floating around, it can be tough to figure out what’s what. Luckily, a recent thread from storm (@notnotstorm) on X breaks it all down with a handy comparison matrix. Let’s unpack this together and see what these proposals mean for the future of Ethereum!

What’s Glamsterdam All About?

Glamsterdam is the catchy name for Ethereum’s upcoming upgrade, blending the star "Gloas" with Amsterdam, the host city of the last Devconnect event. This upgrade aims to enhance the network’s performance, and several EIPs are vying for the spotlight. The matrix shared by storm compares five key contenders: BALs (Block Access Lists), ePBS (Enshrined Proposer Builder Separation), DE (Delayed Execution), FOCIL (Fork-Choice Inclusion Lists), and 6s Slot Times. Each proposal comes with its own set of challenges and benefits, and the matrix gives us a clear look at the trade-offs.

Breaking Down the Matrix

The comparison matrix evaluates each EIP across several dimensions: implementation difficulty (both Execution Layer and Consensus Layer), bandwidth scaling (immediate and eventual), and transaction (Tx) inclusion speed. Here’s a simple rundown:

• BALs (Block Access Lists)​: Rated 2 for EL difficulty and 1 for CL difficulty. It offers a -20% bandwidth scaling hit initially but promises a massive +250% eventual execution scaling. However, Tx inclusion speed stays the same, and benefits might kick in later post-hardfork.
• ePBS: With a 1 EL and 4 CL difficulty, it’s a scalability beast (+300% bandwidth and execution scaling). But there’s a disputed -33% Tx inclusion speed dip due to longer block processing windows.
• DE (Delayed Execution)​: Moderate difficulty (3 EL, 2 CL) with +250% scaling in both bandwidth and execution. No change in Tx speed, focusing on extending block transmission and execution windows.
• FOCIL: Easier to implement (2 EL, 3 CL), with no immediate scaling but +100% eventual execution scaling. It boosts Tx inclusion speed, especially for censored transactions, by adding more proposers.
• 6s Slot Times: Super easy EL (1) but tough CL (5), with a -10% bandwidth hit and +50% eventual execution scaling. It doubles Tx speed (2x as fast) by halving block times, improving user experience and reducing deadtime.

These numbers are rough estimates and might shift as the proposals evolve, but they give us a solid starting point.

Digging Into the Details

Storm didn’t just throw numbers at us—they also chatted with the EIP authors to get the scoop. For instance, BALs could enable parallel block processing, but the perks might not show up until after the hardfork. ePBS restructures slots to cut deadtime, though it might slow inclusion (a point still up for debate). DE focuses on execution over consensus, while FOCIL fights censorship by adding proposers. Meanwhile, 6s Slot Times could revolutionize UX and MEV (Miner Extractable Value) by speeding things up.

Why This Matters for Meme Token Fans

At Meme Insider, we’re all about helping you navigate the blockchain world, and Glamsterdam’s upgrades could impact meme tokens too! Faster transactions and better scalability mean smoother trading and more innovative token projects. Plus, with censorship resistance from FOCIL, your favorite meme coins might have a safer home on Ethereum.

What’s Next?

This thread is a goldmine for anyone wanting to stay ahead in the blockchain game. Storm’s work highlights the importance of understanding the tech behind upgrades like Glamsterdam. If you’re curious, dive into the full thread or reach out to the EIP authors like nero_eth for more insights. And hey, always do your own research (DYOR) before jumping into any conclusions!

Ready to explore more? Check out our knowledge base for the latest on meme tokens and blockchain tech. What do you think about these EIPs? Drop your thoughts in the comments!