Differences from Ethereum
OverProtocol incorporates several protocol-level changes to differentiate itself from Ethereum. These adjustments aim to optimize network performance, ensure economic sustainability, and manage blockchain growth effectively. Below are the key differences.
1. Increased Calldata Gas Cost
One significant change is the adjustment of calldata gas costs. OverProtocol has rolled back EIP-2028, which initially reduced calldata gas costs in Ethereum. As a result, the gas cost for non-zero transaction data has increased from 16 gas per byte to 68 gas per byte.
Why Increase Calldata Costs?
- Control Blockchain Data Growth: By raising calldata gas costs, OverProtocol aims to limit the rate at which on-chain data grows, ensuring the network remains sustainable in the long term.
- Introduce an Appropriate Cost Structure: Higher costs encourage developers and users to optimize transaction data, reducing unnecessary or excessive on-chain data usage.
2. Minimum Base Fee of 100 Gwei
OverProtocol adopts the EIP-1559 fee mechanism, introducing a base fee that dynamically adjusts based on network demand. However, the minimum base fee is set at 100 Gwei, a higher threshold compared to Ethereum’s dynamic base fee.
Why a Higher Base Fee?
- Resilience Against DoS Attacks: The higher base fee increases the cost of spamming the network, significantly improving security.
- Initial Network Stability: In the early stages of the protocol, stability takes precedence over low transaction fees, ensuring a robust foundation for growth.
- Economic Sustainability: Base fees are either allocated to the DAO Treasury during the protocol's initial phase or directly burned in later stages, creating a deflationary effect that supports tokenomics.
Summary of Key Adjustments
| Feature | OverProtocol | Ethereum |
|---|---|---|
| Calldata Gas Cost | 68 gas per byte for non-zero data | 16 gas per byte (EIP-2028) |
| Base Fee (EIP-1559) | Minimum 100 Gwei | Dynamically adjusted, no minimum |
| Base Fee Allocation | Treasury (initial), burned (mature stages) | Burned |
Rationale for These Adjustments
The changes implemented in OverProtocol reflect the project’s commitment to:
- Sustainability: Preventing excessive data growth and encouraging responsible resource usage.
- Security: Increasing costs for spamming the network to protect against DoS attacks.
- Economic Stability: Ensuring tokenomics promote long-term health and deflationary mechanics.
These adjustments differentiate OverProtocol as a blockchain platform optimized for scalability, security, and sustainability.