Elasticity Multiplier Selection

Istora Mandiri
Research TODO

TODO

This article is a placeholder and is subject to change as research continues.

Abstract

EIP-1559 introduces block elasticity—a mechanism allowing blocks to temporarily expand beyond their target size during demand spikes. Ethereum uses a 2x multiplier, but Ethereum Classic's smaller target gas limit (8M vs 30M) creates an opportunity to adopt a higher multiplier (4x, 16x, or 32x) to enable equivalent maximum transaction sizes. This research determines the highest safe elasticity multiplier for ETC given real-world hardware capabilities and network conditions.

Research Objectives

  1. What is the maximum safe elasticity multiplier for Ethereum Classic?
  2. What maximum transaction size does each multiplier enable, and how does this compare to Ethereum?
  3. What are the network stability implications of each multiplier option?
  4. What minimum hardware requirements does each multiplier impose on node operators?

Background

EIP-1559 Block Elasticity

EIP-1559 introduced variable block sizes where:

  • Gas Target: The equilibrium level where basefee remains stable
  • Gas Limit: Maximum capacity per block = gas_target × elasticity_multiplier
  • Elasticity Multiplier: How much blocks can expand beyond target (Ethereum uses 2x)

With Ethereum's current 60M gas limit and 2x multiplier, the gas target is 30M. Since individual transactions can consume up to the full block gas limit, this enables large contract deployments and L2 state validation operations.

ETC's Opportunity

ETC's 8M gas target with a 2x multiplier would only allow 16M gas maximum transactions. By increasing the elasticity multiplier:

Multiplier Max Block Gas Max TX Size Comparison to ETH
2x 16M 16M 27% of ETH
4x 32M 32M 53% of ETH
8x 64M 64M 107% of ETH
16x 128M 128M 213% of ETH
32x 256M 256M 427% of ETH

Prior Work

Methodology

Approach

  1. Theoretical Analysis: Calculate hardware requirements for processing blocks at each multiplier
  2. Client Benchmarking: Measure actual performance of Core-Geth and Besu (see Client Benchmarking)
  3. Network Simulation: Model block propagation delays at various sizes
  4. Historical Validation: Analyze ETC network behavior during historical high-gas periods

Tools & Resources

  • Core-Geth and Besu test environments
  • ETC mainnet archive nodes for historical data
  • Network simulation framework
  • Hardware test rigs at various specification levels

Assumptions & Constraints

  • Node operators should not require hardware upgrades beyond current recommendations
  • Block propagation must remain fast enough to maintain current uncle rates
  • The multiplier must be safe under adversarial conditions (sustained max-size blocks)

Research Plan

Phase 1: Theoretical Bounds

  • Calculate memory requirements for processing max-size blocks at each multiplier
  • Estimate CPU cycles required for EVM execution at each gas level
  • Model network bandwidth requirements for block propagation
  • Document theoretical upper bound for safe operation

Phase 2: Empirical Benchmarking

  • Coordinate with Client Benchmarking research
  • Generate synthetic max-size blocks at each multiplier level
  • Measure block processing time on reference hardware
  • Test block propagation in controlled network environment

Phase 3: Network Analysis

  • Coordinate with Network Analysis research
  • Analyze historical ETC uncle rates vs block gas used
  • Model expected uncle rate increase at each multiplier
  • Identify network topology constraints

Phase 4: Recommendation

  • Synthesize findings from all phases
  • Propose recommended multiplier with supporting evidence
  • Document fallback options and risk factors
  • Prepare specification text for ECIP-1120

Expected Outcomes

  1. Recommended Elasticity Multiplier: A specific value (likely 4x, 8x, or 16x) with full justification
  2. Hardware Requirements Document: Minimum specifications for node operators at chosen multiplier
  3. Risk Assessment: Analysis of edge cases and potential failure modes
  4. Specification Parameters: Final values for ELASTICITY_MULTIPLIER and MAX_GAS_LIMIT

Success Criteria

  • Multiplier enables max transaction size ≥ Ethereum's 60M gas
  • Block processing time remains under 1 second on mid-range hardware
  • Projected uncle rate increase is < 0.5% under normal conditions
  • No degradation of network stability under stress testing
  • Consensus among client developers on safety of chosen value

Dependencies

Current Status

Status: TODO

Progress Log

  • 2025-11-27: Initial research plan drafted
  • Pending: Begin Phase 1 theoretical analysis

References

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