- Initial launch phase termed “beta” by Eigen Labs CEO, features limited functionality with future expansions anticipated.
- Launch excludes in-protocol payments and slashing mechanisms, with plans for these features to be added later this year.
EigenLayer, recognized for its “restaking” capability aimed at reinforcing Ethereum’s security, has started its service on the Ethereum mainnet. This launch is paired with the introduction of EigenDA, a data-availability service developed by EigenLayer’s creators.Â
Announcing: EigenLayer ♾ EigenDA Mainnet Launch pic.twitter.com/bTp5BfnsKE
— EigenLayer (@eigenlayer) April 9, 2024
Before this initiation, EigenLayer had already secured $12 billion in user deposits, underscoring the anticipation for its approach to enhance security via pooled assets. This method intends to broaden Ethereum’s protective measures to include other cryptocurrency platforms.
The premise of EigenLayer is to permit newer blockchain protocols to access the established security infrastructure of Ethereum. It achieves this by enabling Ethereum stakers to merge their staked ETH into a larger collective, thereby securing additional rewards.Â
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The aggregated ETH is then utilized to safeguard various auxiliary networks and services, such as blockchain bridges, exchanges, and oracles, under what is termed actively validated services (AVS).
EigenDA stands out as the first AVS to be launched, providing a mechanism for blockchain entities to store and manage data efficiently. This initial phase of EigenLayer’s deployment will feature a limited functionality set, with Eigen Labs CEO Sreeram Kannan referring to it as a “beta” phase in discussions.
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At present, while AVS beyond EigenDA can register with EigenLayer, they are yet to be fully operational. The current stage of the launch notably excludes specific functionalities like in-protocol payments from AVS to operators and a “slashing” mechanism for penalizing unethical validators. These aspects are planned for integration in later updates as the protocol evolves.
