Ethereum researcher proposes solution to fix centralization, remove MEV, and reduce block time to 6-8 seconds

On Feb 28, 2025, an Ethereum researcher, known as “Malik672” has suggested a new way to make Ethereum’s block proposal process fairer and more decentralized.

Their idea could also eliminate Maximal Extractable Value (MEV), which is a problem that allows certain players to profit unfairly by manipulating transactions.

The Problem: Centralized Block Building

Ethereum currently uses a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system where block building is handled by a few large entities called builders.

This has led to centralization, with two builders—Beaverbuild and Titan Builder—creating about 80% of all Ethereum blocks. This situation goes against Ethereum’s goal of decentralization and fairness.

MEV allows these powerful builders to reorder or block transactions for profit, hurting regular Ethereum users.

This is done through strategies like front-running and arbitrage, where they manipulate transactions for financial gain.

The Proposed Solution: Decentralized Random Block Proposal

Malik672’s idea introduces a shared random algorithm that lets all Ethereum clients (not just a few builders) participate in block creation.

The process would be completely random and use a system called Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) to ensure fairness.

With this system, any Ethereum client can propose a block. A cryptographically random algorithm selects which blocks get accepted.

This prevents anyone from manipulating transactions for profit (eliminating block-level MEV).

It spreads power across the network instead of concentrating it among a few entities.

Key Benefits

1.      Removes Block-Level MEV – Since no one knows in advance who will propose the next block, they cannot manipulate transactions.

2.    More Decentralization – Instead of two major players controlling block creation, thousands of Ethereum clients would share the responsibility.

3.    Faster Transactions – Block processing times might reduce from 12 seconds to 6-8 seconds.

(Parallel client proposals and validator execution could shrink Ethereum’s 12-second slot to 6-8 seconds)

4.    Supports Future Upgrades – The proposal is compatible with Danksharding, an upgrade designed to improve Ethereum’s scalability.

Trade-offs and Challenges

The system prioritizes fairness over optimization, which may make layer 2 scaling (L2) less efficient.

It requires strong network synchronization to ensure all nodes have the same transaction data.

Validators would need to adjust to new randomized selection processes.

Conclusion

Ethereum’s current system allows a small group to control most blocks, creating unfair advantages through MEV.

Malik672’s Decentralized Random Block Proposal could fix this by making block creation fully democratic and trustless. While it may sacrifice some efficiency, it aligns better with Ethereum’s original vision of decentralization.

Future Improvements

Testing how well transaction synchronization works under heavy use. Finding ways to optimize the system for layer 2 rollups. Creating backup mechanisms in case too many nodes disagree.

This proposal could mark a major shift in Ethereum’s future, bringing more fairness and decentralization to the network.

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