An Ethereum developer suggested reducing the network's block time from 12 seconds to 6 seconds to enhance transaction confirmation time and user experience.
Ethereum Improvement Proposal 7782, discussed by core developer Barnabé Monnot on June 21, suggests reducing block time to 6 seconds by adjusting the timing of blockchain operations.
"Shorter block times can enhance confirmation services, thereby increasing service prices," Monnot explained.
The proposal was originally planned to be implemented in the Glamsterdam update at the end of 2026, at which point Ethereum's scalability will be significantly improved.
Advantages of faster block times
Ethereum staking protocol Everstake noted that doubling the number of new block proposals will speed up the network and bring various benefits.
Shorter block times mean transactions are included faster, which will improve user experience, and wallets will be able to display updated data.
At the same time, this will make it more difficult for anyone to audit transactions.
Improvements for DeFi and fees
There are many advantages for transactions and decentralized finance, such as faster price updates on decentralized exchanges and reduced arbitrage losses.
"Faster block times bring more liquidity, lower transaction costs, and strengthen Ethereum's network effects," Monnot stated.
However, the adjustment of time may impact slower validators and could lead to network congestion during peak usage.
Shortening sub-slot time
EIP-7782 proposes to adjust three key sub-slot times: block proposal time reduced from 4 seconds to 3 seconds, proof time reduced from 4 seconds to 1.5 seconds, and aggregation time reduced to 1.5 seconds, totaling a reduction of 6 seconds.
Shortening sub-slot time means less time for each task, and Monnot stated that this is a good option worth considering for Ethereum.
The Glamsterdam update focuses on gas optimization and efficiency improvements at the protocol layer, aiming to make Ethereum faster and cheaper.
