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# zkProof-Enhanced Data Availability Framework for Ethereum Layer 2 Scalability
Enhancing data availability through Data Availability Sampling and leveraging Zero-Knowledge Proofs (zkProofs) for uploader verification within the Swarm network.
## Abstract
This project seeks to fundamentally enhance the Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) ecosystem's data availability by introducing an advanced system that leverages Data Availability Sampling, erasure coding, and Zero-Knowledge Proofs (zkProofs). Our aim is to provide a mathematically verifiable way to ensure data uploaded by uploaders/sequencers to Swarm is verifiably available and intact.
## Objectives
Our primary goal is to create a robust data availability verification system for the Ethereum L2 ecosystem, improving overall network security and efficiency. Success will be measured by:
- Implementation of a Data Availability Sampling mechanism that achieves over 99.99% confidence in data availability.
- Development of a zkProof system that verifies data integrity and erasure coding, alongside the proper assignment of data persistance in time (postage stamps).
- Adoption of our system by insurers and sequencers within the Swarm network, evidenced by a decrease in data availability disputes.
## Outcomes
This project will significantly benefit the Ethereum ecosystem by:
- Enhancing data integrity and availability for L2 solutions.
- Reducing the costs associated with data storage and retrieval through Swarm, contributing to the scalability of Ethereum.
- Setting a new standard for data availability verification that can be adopted across various blockchain and L2 solutions.
## Grant Scope
We will research and develop a system that incorporates Data Availability Sampling, erasure coding verification, and zkProofs to ensure data availability and integrity. The expected output includes:
- A fully functional Data Availability Sampling protocol.
- A zkProof verification system for erasure coding and postage stamp assignments.
- Integration guidelines and an SDK for easy adoption by existing L2 solutions.
## Project Team
Lead Researcher: Viktor Toth (100 hours/month)
Cryptography expert: TBC (100 hours/month)
Blockchain Developer: TBH (80 hours/month)
Advisors: Viktor Tron, György Barabás
## Background
Our team has extensive experience in blockchain technology, cryptography, and the Ethereum ecosystem. Relevant works include:
* [Non-local Redundancy](https://papers.ethswarm.org/p/erasure/): erasure coding and dispersed replicas for robust retrieval in the Swarm peer-to-peer network.
* [Swarm Whitepaper](https://papers.ethswarm.org/p/whitepaper/): architecture and operational details of the Swarm network.
* [Swarm Specification](https://papers.ethswarm.org/p/swarm-specification/): low-level implementation details for data storage, content distribution and network communication within Swarm.
* [The Book of Swarm](https://papers.ethswarm.org/p/book-of-swarm/): a detailed exploration of Swarm's functionality, starting with a historical context of the Web and evolving data sovereignty concepts.
## Methodology
The project will be executed in three phases:
1. zkProofs Protocol Design: Creating a zkProofs framework that ensures data integrity and availability through Data Availability Sampling.
2. Implementation and Testing: Developing the protocol, integrating it with Swarm, and testing its effectiveness in verifying data integrity.
3. Community Engagement and SDK Development: Releasing an SDK for easy implementation and engaging with the community for feedback and adoption.
## Timeline
### Milestone 1: Protocol Design and Initial Development
- Budget: $15,000
- Duration: 2 months
- Summary: Design and initial development of the zkProofs protocol for data verification.
### Milestone 2: zkProof Development and Erasure Coding Verification
- Budget: $20,000
- Duration: 3 months
- Summary: Complete the development and conduct thorough testing with real-world data scenarios.
### Milestone 3: Integration, Testing, and Deployment
- Budget: $15,000
- Duration: 2 months
- Summary: Finalize SDK for broader adoption and engage with the community for feedback and implementation support.
## Budget
Total Requested Grant Amount: $50,000
Principal Researchers Costs: $30,000
Other Staff Costs: $10,000
Software Costs: $5,000 (for development tools and environments)
Community Engagement and SDK Development: $5,000