Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled plans to enhance the network’s proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism, focusing on faster finality and improved accessibility for individual stakers. Buterin’s proposed changes aim to reduce block finalization time from 13-15 minutes to a single slot and lower the staking entry barrier from 32 ETH to just 1 ETH.

The Ethereum network’s transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, known as “the Merge,” marked a significant milestone in improving network stability and reducing centralization risks. Building on this foundation, Buterin is now targeting further improvements in efficiency and inclusivity.

One key objective is to implement single-slot finality, which would enable transaction finalization within seconds instead of minutes, dramatically enhancing the network’s responsiveness. This improvement is crucial for handling increasing transaction volumes and maintaining Ethereum’s competitiveness in the blockchain space.

Buterin’s proposal to reduce the minimum staking amount to 1 ETH is designed to democratize network participation. This change would allow a broader range of users to contribute to network security without requiring substantial capital investment. To achieve these goals, Buterin suggested implementing Orbit SSF for flexibility and a two-tier staking structure.

Security enhancements are also on the roadmap, with plans to implement a single secret leader election (SSLE) system for block proposals. This method would conceal the block proposer’s identity until the moment of block production, safeguarding against targeted denial-of-service (DoS) attacks that could disrupt network operations.

Buterin emphasized that research is ongoing, with several proposals aimed at refining block proposal mechanisms without compromising the network’s decentralization and integrity. These improvements are vital for ensuring Ethereum can handle growing transaction volumes and maintain its position as a leading blockchain platform.

Earlier this month, Buterin addressed community concerns regarding staking thresholds on social media, suggesting a gradual reduction in minimum staking requirements, potentially to 16 or 24 ETH initially.

Market analysts have speculated that if Buterin were to win the Nobel Prize in Economics, it could significantly boost Ethereum’s price, potentially accelerating its journey to $10,000 with key milestones at $2,800 and $4,000.

As of the latest update, Ethereum (ETH) is trading at $2,525, marking a 2.34% increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency’s current market capitalization stands at $304 billion, with a trading volume of $13.87 billion, representing a 51% surge in the last day.