Solana has become one of the most popular blockchains and is remembered by people for its high throughput, low latency and scalability. By utilizing technologies like Proof of History, Gulf Stream, Tower Consensus, Sealevel Runtime and Replicators, in it`s Core Protocol, Solana endeavors to furnish a strong foundation for decentralized applications and cryptocurrencies.

However, everything in cryptocurrency needs to evolve and improve in order for the technology to remain relevant and meet the changing needs of users and developers. And in this case Solana is no exception.

In this article I will tell you the basics of the Solana protocol as well as some ideas for improving and developing it. We will cover all the most important topics.

Let's start with the fact that the core protocol of Solana encompasses several key elements aimed at ensuring the efficiency, security, and functionality of the network:

1. Solana Programming Language (SPL): Developed atop SolanaVM, SPL stands as a bespoke smart contract language engineered for performance and simplicity. It empowers developers to craft secure and scalable decentralized applications (dApps) on the Solana platform.

2. Solana Program Runtime (SolanaVM): Serving as a runtime environment, SolanaVM ensures secure and efficient execution of smart contracts within the Solana ecosystem. It isolates programs from both each other and the underlying system, bolstering security and dependability.

3. Proof of History (PoH): Instead of conventional timestamps, Solana implements PoH, which acts as a universally accessible and permissionless time source within the network. This distributed clock synchronizes validators autonomously, facilitating quicker transaction verification and circumventing time-related conflicts.

4. Sealevel: Operating as an off-chain transaction processing engine, Sealevel enables parallel transaction processing and validation, significantly enhancing throughput. Sealevel adeptly groups numerous transactions, validates them concurrently, and presents them to the on-chain ledger in batches, reducing the on-chain validation burden.

5. Tower Consensus: Building upon PoH, Solana employs Tower Consensus, a Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) algorithm tailored for efficiency. It harnesses PoH's synchronized clock to achieve rapid finality without compromising security. Tower Consensus diverges from traditional BFT by prioritizing liveness (ensuring eventual transaction processing) over consistency (simultaneous agreement on transaction order), optimizing for speed.

6. Durable Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM): Validators employ NVRAM to house the ledger and recent blockchain state in high-speed memory, minimizing disk access and substantially augmenting read/write speeds compared to traditional disk-centric storage.

7. Gulf Stream: As a mempool protocol, Gulf Stream organizes transaction sequencing based on fees and network conditions, optimizing transaction costs and network efficiency. It facilitates transaction caching at the network periphery, enabling validators to proactively execute transactions before their formal reception.

But there is also such a thing as Archivers. In contrast, Archivers serve a distinct yet complementary role within the Solana ecosystem:

1. Archivers are off-chain nodes responsible for storing historical blockchain data, contributing to the network's scalability by offloading storage from validators.

2. While not directly involved in consensus or transaction processing, Archivers enhance data accessibility and ensure long-term record keeping, thereby bolstering network resiliency.

3. Their role can be likened to that of libraries in the physical world, storing historical records for future reference and research purposes.

Let's make it clear:

1. Archivers implement robust security measures, including cryptographic proofs and distributed storage models, to safeguard data integrity and prevent unauthorized access.

2. Emerging governance mechanisms aim to establish structures for data management and access control within the Archivist network, ensuring accountability and transparency.

3. Archivers complement the core protocol but are not integral to it, focusing instead on long-term data storage and accessibility.

4. They are incentivized by economic rewards within the Solana ecosystem, earning compensation for storage and data retrieval services.

5. Efficient storage solutions are crucial for sustainable archiving due to the massive volume of data involved, necessitating ongoing optimization efforts.

Archivers play a vital role in supporting the scalability, sustainability, and resiliency of the Solana network by providing essential historical data storage and accessibility. While distinct from the core protocol, they contribute significantly to the overall functionality and effectiveness of the ecosystem. Potential areas for further exploration include comparisons with alternative storage solutions, advancements in Archivist network governance, and considerations regarding data privacy and regulatory compliance.

Okay, but how can we improve a blockchain like Solana?

1. Network Upgrade

2. Fees

3. Scheduling

4. IBC

5. Light Client

6. Bridges

7. Layer 2 Solutions

8. Interoperability Standards

9. Cross-chain Smart Contract Interaction

Let's look at each point in more detail. It will be hard, but interesting!

1. Network Upgrade

Enhancing the Solana network via network upgrades remains pivotal in upholding its performance, security, and scalability. Below are potential avenues for achieving such enhancements:

• Augmented Communication and Transparency in Upgrades:

Transparent roadmaps and timelines: Furnish clear, publicly accessible roadmaps outlining planned upgrades, their objectives, and estimated implementation schedules. Comprehensive change logs and impact assessments: Offer detailed documentation elucidating implemented modifications, potential repercussions, and anticipated advantages. Community involvement and testing: Foster community participation through open dialogues, feedback avenues, and involvement in test networks.

• Distinct Upgrade Categories:

Scalability enhancement strategies: Investigate techniques like sharding, rollups, or layer-2 solutions to bolster transaction throughput without compromising decentralization. Fee optimization initiatives: Introduce dynamic fee adjustments based on network congestion or explore alternative fee structures to balance user demands with network sustainability. Security fortification measures: Continually update cryptographic methodologies, rectify identified vulnerabilities, and enforce anti-spam protocols. Refinement of smart contract platforms: Enhance smart contract languages, development tools, and execution environments to facilitate developers' endeavors.

• Refinement of Upgrade Focus and Prioritization:

Identifying critical improvement areas: Direct upgrade efforts towards resolving recognized bottlenecks, security gaps, or scalability constraints, guided by community input and data insights. Prioritizing essential updates: Give precedence to urgent security fixes and crucial bug remedies, while cautiously considering larger feature integrations. Phased deployment and rigorous testing: Execute upgrades in stages, ensuring comprehensive testing and community engagement to mitigate risks and minimize disruptions.

• Streamlined Upgrade Processes and Automation:

Enhanced efficiency through streamlined processes: Develop more streamlined and automated upgrade procedures to reduce downtime and operational disturbances. Robust rollback mechanisms: Institute reliable contingency plans for reverting upgrades in case unforeseen issues arise post-implementation. Decentralized governance for future upgrades: Explore governance frameworks where stakeholders collaboratively determine significant upgrade proposals and scheduling.

It's imperative to acknowledge the complexity inherent in network upgrades, necessitating meticulous planning and execution. Transparent communication, community participation, and data-driven decision-making are indispensable in realizing successful and advantageous upgrades for the Solana network.

2. Fees

The Solana community has been actively discussing the fee structure, expressing concerns about its potential impact on accessibility and network congestion. Here are some potential strategies to enhance the Solana network through fee adjustments:

1. Dynamic Fee Adaptations: Introduce a dynamic fee system that adapts according to network activity and available resources. This approach aims to maintain a balance between user demand and network capacity, preventing congestion and ensuring seamless transactions during peak usage periods.

2. Enhanced Fee Estimation: Provide more accurate and transparent fee estimation tools to assist users in making informed decisions about their transactions, thereby minimizing unnecessary fees.

3. Governance-driven Fee Adjustments: Establish a decentralized governance mechanism where stakeholders can propose and vote on fee adjustments, fostering community engagement and aligning fees with network requirements.

4. Fee Tiering: Introduce tiered fee structures based on transaction priorities or types. This allows users to prioritize urgent transactions by paying higher fees, while offering lower fees for less time-sensitive activities.

5. Fee Incentives: Provide fee discounts for specific user categories, such as developers contributing to the network's growth. This incentivizes participation and fosters ecosystem expansion.

6. Fee Delegation: Enable users to delegate their fee-paying capabilities to other accounts, facilitating smoother onboarding processes and transaction experiences for newcomers.

7. Off-chain Transactions: Encourage the use of off-chain solutions for non-critical transactions to alleviate strain on the main network and reduce overall fee pressure.

8. Burn Mechanisms: Allocate a portion of transaction fees to be burned, reducing the token supply and potentially increasing its value. This could attract more validators and enhance network security.

There are several potential avenues for enhancing the Solana network through fee adjustments. Adopting a combination of these strategies, tailored to the network's specific needs, could lead to a more equitable and sustainable fee structure benefiting both users and the network. It's essential to engage in comprehensive discussions and involve the community extensively before implementing any significant changes.

3. Scheduling

Enhancing the Solana network through scheduling presents intriguing possibilities, albeit requiring deeper exploration for a comprehensive understanding. Here are some general avenues to consider:

• Scheduling Transaction Execution:

  Prioritized Queues: Assigning transaction priorities based on factors such as fees or urgency could ensure prompt processing for critical transactions. However, concerns regarding fairness and manipulation arise.

  Batching and Scheduling: Grouping transactions into batches and scheduling their execution could optimize network resources and throughput. Yet, it might result in latency for individual transactions.

• Scheduling Network Upgrades:

  Predefined Upgrade Schedule: Establishing a fixed timetable for network upgrades could enhance predictability and stability, aiding users and developers in planning. However, this approach may limit adaptability to unforeseen circumstances.

  Dynamic Upgrade Scheduling: Employing data-driven insights to schedule upgrades based on network conditions like load, congestion, or security concerns could boost efficiency and responsiveness. Yet, it introduces complexities and potential uncertainties.

• Exploring Other Scheduling Strategies:

  Scheduling fee adjustments based on network demand.

  Scheduling smart contract execution to maximize resource utilization.

  Scheduling data archiving and pruning processes.

• Scheduling Validator Activity:

  Rotating Validator Sets: Implementing a rotation schedule for validators could distribute workload and potentially enhance network resilience. Nevertheless, frequent changes may lead to delays and necessitate robust coordination.

  Scheduled Maintenance for Validators: Designating maintenance periods for validators could prevent disruptions during peak usage. Balancing scheduled downtime with network availability remains critical.

It's essential to recognize that scheduling introduces complexities and potential trade-offs. While offering benefits, thorough analysis and community engagement are imperative before enacting significant changes.

4. IBC

Understanding IBC: IBC, short for "Inter-Blockchain Communication," is a protocol designed to enable communication between different blockchain networks.

IBC is predominantly utilized within Cosmos-based blockchains, enabling smooth communication and asset transfers among them. Solana, with its distinct architecture and consensus mechanism, presents challenges for direct integration of IBC, but if this problem can be solved, it can greatly strengthen the network.

5. Light Client

Light clients hold promise in bolstering the Solana network's performance and accessibility. Here are avenues for external contributions to advance light client development:

• Strengthening Light Client Functionality:

  1. Enhanced Transaction Filtering: Develop light clients capable of efficiently filtering transactions, enabling user participation sans downloading the entire blockchain.

  2. Offline Capabilities: Enable light clients to operate offline, enhancing network resilience and user experience.

  3. Improved State Validation: Create efficient methods for light clients to validate network states without full node verification, thus reducing communication overhead.

• Collaboration with the Core Team:

  1. Communication and Feedback: Maintain open channels with the Solana core team to provide feedback on existing light clients and propose new functionalities.

  2. Integration and Standardization: Collaborate with the core team to ensure seamless integration of light clients with the main network and establish development best practices.

  3. Governance Participation: Actively engage in the Solana governance process to advocate for features and enhancements benefiting light client adoption.

• Broadening Light Client Applications:

  1. Mobile Wallets: Forge lightweight mobile wallets leveraging light clients to broaden user participation on mobile platforms.

  2. Browser Extensions: Develop browser extensions facilitating dApp usage and interaction by leveraging light clients.

  3. IoT and Resource-Constrained Devices: Tailor light clients for resource-constrained devices like IoT nodes, expanding the network's reach and applications.

• Community-Driven Development and Support:

  1. Open-Source Projects: Foster collaborative development of open-source light client projects such as LighthousesDK and Solblaze.

  2. Hackathons and Bounties: Organize hackathons and offer bounties to encourage developers to contribute innovative light client solutions.

  3. Educational Resources: Provide accessible documentation and tutorials to empower developers in integrating light clients into their projects.

6. Bridges

Current bridges such as Wormhole, RenVM, and Serum have already established connections between Solana and other blockchains, enabling asset transfers and smart contract interactions. External contributions can target:

1. Enhancing Efficiency and Security: This involves refining bridge protocols to boost efficiency, lowering fees, and bolstering security measures for seamless cross-chain transactions.

2. Expanding Asset Compatibility: Efforts can be directed towards supporting a broader array of assets, facilitating the transfer of diverse tokens and cryptocurrencies across different chains.

3. Promoting Decentralization: Encouraging the creation of decentralized bridges with community governance mechanisms ensures broader participation and fosters trust in cross-chain interactions.

7. Layer 2 Solutions

Technological enhancements such as Rollups or Optimistic Rollups offer potential to augment Solana's throughput and scalability. External involvement can center on: Creating Solana-tailored Layer 2 solutions: Designing solutions customized to leverage Solana's unique advantages and tackle its particular obstacles. Facilitating interconnectivity between Layer 2 and external chains: Employing bridges or alternative mechanisms to establish communication between Layer 2 solutions on Solana and diverse blockchain ecosystems.

8. Interoperability Standards

Engagement in endeavors to set universal protocols for cross-chain communication holds advantages for the broader industry. External involvement may center on: Engaging with standardization organizations: Representing Solana's perspectives and technical proficiency in discussions related to interoperability. Creating open-source interoperability resources: Crafting libraries and frameworks to streamline the development of interoperable applications.

9. Cross-chain Smart Contract Interaction

Projects such as Gravity Bridge and Sentinel facilitate interoperable communication among smart contracts. External engagement may concentrate on: Enhancing capabilities: Enabling more intricate interactions and data sharing between smart contracts across various chains. Enhancing security and reliability: Developing trustless bridges and robust mechanisms for secure message transmission.

Validator and Community Health:

• Block-producing validators: 1961

• Nakamoto Coeffiecient, as of September 6, 2023: 31

• Active core contributors: 100+

• Active validator clients: 2

Network Performance

• Network uptime since March 2023: 100%

• Transactions per second in theoretical throughput: 55000

• Average voting and nonvoting transactions per day: 300m+

• Average transaction fee on the Solana network: $.0025

Energy Impact

• Average energy use per transaction: 658J

• Annualized average carbon footpring: 8,785.8 tCO2e

• Solana ecosystem teams in climate tech: 20+

• Net carbon impact: 0

The Solana network remains in a state of constant evolution, with ongoing research and development aimed at further improving performance, scalability, and overall user experience. The vitality of the Solana ecosystem relies heavily on active community participation and the creation of inventive applications that leverage its distinct capabilities.

Deepening their understanding of specific protocol aspects, referenced resources in the article can offer valuable insights. Engaging with the Solana ecosystem, exploring the array of development tools, decentralized applications (dApps), and community channels mentioned is recommended. Staying abreast of the latest advancements, staying connected with official channels and actively participating in the vibrant Solana community is encouraged. It's crucial to recognize that the potential of the Solana network is expansive, and its progression hinges on continual innovation and collaborative efforts. Let's improve this network together!

Below is a list of all the necessary and important links on this topic. This will be useful to you if you want to fully understand Solana and master this blockchain from A to Z.

• Solana Website - All information on Solana: ecosystem, events, important links, etc.

• Solana Documentation - Official documentation with all technical information.

• Solana Whitepaper - All the most important info about blockchain in one document.

• Solana Foundation - Governance, grants, stake pools and delegation program for validators.

• Solana Runtime - Structs for developers.

• SolScan - Solana explorer.

• Network Health Dashboard - All main blockchain statistics on Dune.

• Solana Changelog - Latest news and commits to Solana Protocol.

• Important topics regarding climate and Solana - SolanaClimate, GainForest, BxC Leadership Network

• Information regarding clients/validators - Firedancer, Jito Labs, Block Zero

Additionaly:

• Validator and Community Health - Last Report

• Energy Impact - Last Report

• Network Perfomance - Last Report

• Solana Tech - Discord Channel for Solana Developers

• 02.25.2023 Report - Report about the most recent network degredation