Ethereum Shifts Focus to P2P Networking With PeerDAS in Fusaka Upgrade

Ethereum’s Fusaka upgrade introduces PeerDAS, focusing on improving P2P networking and data propagation for better scalability.

PeerDAS enhances Ethereum’s support for rollups by improving data distribution, reducing reliance on centralized systems.

Vitalik Buterin emphasizes the importance of the P2P layer for ETH’s future growth.

Ethereum has introduced PeerDAS in its latest Fusaka hard fork, marking a major shift in the network’s scaling strategy. This upgrade focuses on improving Ethereum’s long-overlooked peer-to-peer (P2P) networking layer, a key area that Vitalik Buterin says had been underprioritized

Ethereum Turns Attention to P2P Networking

Vitalik Buterin has recently described the past neglect of Ethereum’s P2P networking layer. He mentioned that the research teams were very good in consensus and cryptoeconomics, but P2P networking got barely any focus. Consequently, there were shortcomings in data propagation, which resulted in different states across the network.

With the Fusaka hard fork on December 3, 2025, Ethereum introduced PeerDAS to address these issues. PeerDAS enhances Ethereum’s ability to distribute blob samples across the network. It uses gossip protocols to improve the speed and reliability of data propagation, reducing strain on nodes and improving overall network stability.

Buterin believes that Ethereum’s network now benefits from a stronger, more consistent P2P framework. He credited Raul Jordan and other contributors for their work in advancing the upgrade. “PeerDAS is proof that we are finally giving the P2P layer the attention it deserves,” Buterin stated.

PeerDAS Strengthens Ethereum’s Rollup Support

The PeerDAS upgrade builds on Data Availability Sampling (DAS) introduced in EIP-4844 in 2024. DAS allowed nodes to verify blob availability without downloading the full data, increasing throughput for layer-2 solutions. PeerDAS adapts this model to Ethereum’s P2P layer, spreading the responsibility of sampling data across peers.

This strategy minimizes dependence on centralized systems for data availability, thus permitting the network to scale more conveniently. Adopting libp2p and traditional gossip methods, PeerDAS guarantees quicker, more equal data dissemination. Consequently, nodes are able to process data more uniformly, thus eliminating scenarios where some nodes lag behind others.

PeerDAS is crucial for supporting Ethereum’s growing dependence on rollups. These layer-2 solutions require reliable and efficient data distribution to maintain high throughput. PeerDAS addresses these needs by making the network more resilient and capable of handling the growing demands of rollups.

Fusaka Hard Fork Introduces PeerDAS

The Fusaka hard fork has elevated PeerDAS to the status of a key player in Ethereum’s scaling strategy. By using PeerDAS, Ethereum plans to boost the speed of its network and achieve greater reliability. This transition assures Ethereum’s dedication to making the P2P layer stronger and eliminating the weaknesses that have hampered node synchronization.

Buterin said that the Fusaka upgrade is the start of a new era in Ethereum’s scaling roadmap. He pointed out that the prior emphasis on consensus and block production had caused neglect of networking. Now, with PeerDAS, Ethereum comes closer to achieving a high level of scalability through efficient data distribution.

Ethereum’s future growth now relies on robust P2P networking. PeerDAS is positioned as the foundation for the network’s next phase, helping it keep up with the increasing demand for decentralized applications and rollups. The Fusaka hard fork thus sets the stage for more efficient data handling and better network performance.