The leading US cryptocurrency platform, Coinbase Cloud, is enhancing its Ethereum staking nodes by adding support for Nethermind and Erigon execution clients, expanding beyond the previous reliance on Geth, as reported in the Coinbase Blog.
This move aims to diversify the execution layer, making Ethereum validators more resilient. The decision follows a thorough evaluation of client software, with Nethermind clients set to go live this week, and Erigon support planned in the coming months.
Without requiring any action from stakers, the backend infrastructure change ensures the security of customer assets. The importance of client diversity to fortify the network against potential bugs is emphasized by Coinbase Cloud.
Previously, Coinbase Cloud diversified consensus layer clients, and now, it focuses on execution client diversity. Current Ethereum validator statistics show approximately 39% Prysm, 33% Lighthouse, and 19% Teku.
Stability metrics, a history of success, and compatibility with existing infrastructure are the evaluation criteria for execution clients. While acknowledging Geth’s past contributions, Coinbase Cloud found Nethermind and Erigon to align better with their standards and infrastructure during the recent evaluation.
This strategic move reflects Coinbase Cloud’s commitment to a resilient Ethereum network, minimizing dependency on any single client and fostering innovation within the ecosystem.
Also Read: Coinbase Launches Recovery for Unsupported Blockchains
