What is Polkadot(DOT) Elastic Scaling?

Elastic Scaling is a crucial solution for parachains that face the challenge of requiring higher throughput than what is currently allowed or possible on Polkadot. The Polkadot protocol’s primary objective is to provide a platform that prioritizes Scaling and security.

Elastic Scaling is not just a change but a transformative addition proposed for the Polkadot ecosystem. It will not only enhance the platform’s capabilities but also create significant adoption opportunities.

Scaling Parachains

An important aspect of Elastic Scaling is enabling parachains to produce multiple blocks for each Relay Chain and have them validated. These parachain blocks can be created in a sequential manner. However, the Relay Chain processes them in parallel. Relay Chain resources and time used to validate a parachain block on the Relay Chain are known as a core. For example, if the Relay Chain validates 50 blocks at a time, it has 50 cores, similar to how a processor with 50 cores can execute 50 threads simultaneously. This will allow parachains to obtain more than a single core simultaneously for execution, allowing parachains with high throughput to execute transactions faster.

A New Model

Currently, projects on Polkadot must apply for slots by participating in parachain auctions, with the winning project becoming a parachain on Polkadot. The auction also determines how many tokens must be locked, which can vary from anywhere between six months to two years. Agile Coretime will change this, allowing greater flexibility when assigning cores. These changes will enable the purchase of cores for shorter durations, such as one month, one hour, or even one block. These purchases can be made via on-chain purchases or through secondary markets.

Polkadot Elastic Scaling

Agile Coretime, combined with multiple cores per parachain, empowers Elastic Scaling. This innovative feature allows parachains to lease additional cores, accelerating the validation of blocks and boosting transaction execution. It’s a game-changer for service providers in the blockchain ecosystem, offering them the opportunity to service new customers, increase their revenue, and expand their reach. This is a testament to the value they bring to the Polkadot ecosystem.

Elastic Scaling can also benefit applications with unpredictable coretime requirements, enabling them to save costs by only buying the coretime they need at a specific time without choosing between high costs or low performance. For example, some projects may have a smaller number of users and may build their services and user base over time. Elastic Scaling allows such projects to purchase more coretime when needed, depending on the growth of their services and user base.

Elastic Scaling also facilitates cost-effective Scaling by allowing projects to only pay for the coretime they require, helping to significantly reduce prices for everyone. Projects will also be able to sell the coretime they won’t need with the introduction of Agile Coretime.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.