Introduction
Cloudflare has expanded its Ethereum Gateway to support Görli and Sepolia testnets, aligning with the upcoming Ethereum Merge. These testnets allow developers to test decentralized applications (dapps) and network upgrades before deploying them on the Ethereum mainnet. Unlike the mainnet, testnet Ether has no monetary value, making them ideal for risk-free experimentation.
👉 Explore Cloudflare’s Ethereum Gateway
Understanding Testnets: Görli and Sepolia
Why Use Testnets?
- Görli and Sepolia simulate the Ethereum mainnet environment.
- Developers can validate smart contracts, dapps, and upgrades without financial risk.
- Both testnets have successfully transitioned to Proof of Stake (PoS) and Proof of Authority (PoA), mirroring the Ethereum Merge’s goals.
Key Differences from Mainnet
- Testnet Ether is valueless.
- Faster block times for rapid iteration.
- Lower gas fees (or none) for testing.
Consensus Mechanisms Explained
Proof of Work (PoW)
- Current Ethereum consensus model.
- Miners solve complex puzzles to validate transactions.
- High energy consumption (~80 TWh/year).
- Transitioning to PoS for sustainability.
Proof of Stake (PoS)
- Post-Merge Ethereum consensus.
- Validators stake Ether to propose/validate blocks.
- 99.95% less energy than PoW.
- Economic incentives ensure network integrity.
Proof of Authority (PoA)
- Used in Sepolia.
- Approved validators (not stakers) secure the network.
- Common in private/corporate blockchains.
Cloudflare’s Ethereum Gateway Architecture
How It Works
- JSON-RPC Request: Received by a Cloudflare Worker.
- Load Balancing: Distributed via Cloudflare’s global network.
Ethereum Nodes: Proxies route requests to synced nodes.
- Execution Client: Handles transactions/smart contracts.
- Consensus Client: Manages PoS validation (added for the Merge).
Benefits
- No need to run personal nodes.
- Low-latency global access.
- Redundant nodes ensure reliability.
The Ethereum Merge: What to Expect
Merge Overview
- Transition from PoW to PoS.
- Combines Ethereum’s current chain with the Beacon Chain.
- Enables future upgrades like sharding (faster, cheaper transactions).
Node Operator Requirements
- Must run both execution and consensus clients.
- Unupgraded nodes will stop syncing post-Merge.
👉 Learn more about Ethereum’s energy efficiency
Using Cloudflare’s Testnet Gateways
Switching Networks
Replace mainnet with sepolia or goerli in the API URL:
curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
--data '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"net_version","params":[],"id":35}' \
https://web3-trial.cloudflare-eth.com/v1/sepoliaRinkeby Deprecation
- Support ends January 15, 2023 (aligned with Ethereum Foundation’s timeline).
- Migrate to Görli/Sepolia for continued testing.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Görli and Sepolia?
- Görli: Uses PoS post-merge.
- Sepolia: Uses PoA, ideal for trusted environments.
2. How does the Merge affect gas fees?
- PoS reduces energy costs but doesn’t directly lower fees. Sharding (future upgrade) will address scalability.
3. Can I use testnets for production dapps?
No—testnets are for development only. Deploy final versions on the mainnet.
4. What happens if I don’t upgrade my node?
Post-Merge, your node won’t sync new blocks.
5. Is Cloudflare’s Gateway free?
Yes, during the trial period. Check documentation for details.
Conclusion
Cloudflare’s support for Görli and Sepolia testnets ensures developers are ready for the Ethereum Merge. By leveraging PoS and PoA, these testnets offer a sustainable, efficient way to build and test dapps.
Start experimenting today—your gateway to Ethereum’s future is here.