Validator Set Rotation

[naterush]

Issue

Currently, we start with consensus on a single validator set. Instead, we'd like to be able to change the validator set while the protocol is executing.

Proposed Implementation

Fill this out as best you can, and we'll start the discussion to flesh it out.

[staccDOTsol]

The proposed implementation for validator set rotation in Ethereum involves introducing a mechanism to change the validator set while the protocol is executing. This would allow for greater flexibility and adaptability in the network.

One possible approach is outlined in EIP-3675, which introduces a new opcode called VALIDATORSETROTATION. This opcode would enable the execution of a special transaction that triggers the rotation of the validator set.

The process of validator set rotation would involve the following steps:

1. Proposal: A participant in the network creates a proposal to change the validator set. This proposal includes the new set of validators and their associated public keys.

2. Voting: Validators and/or stakeholders in the network vote on the proposed validator set. This can be done through a voting mechanism, such as a smart contract or off-chain governance process.

3. Execution: Once the proposal has received sufficient votes, a special transaction containing the VALIDATORSETROTATION opcode is created. This transaction is then included in a block and executed by the network.

4. Validator Set Update: Upon execution of the VALIDATORSETROTATION transaction, the validator set is updated according to the proposed changes. The new set of validators becomes active, and the previous set is no longer considered for consensus.

It's important to note that the exact details of the implementation may vary, and further discussion and refinement are needed to finalize the design. The proposed implementation aims to provide a mechanism for dynamic validator set rotation, enhancing the decentralization and security of the Ethereum network.

Please keep in mind that this is a high-level overview, and for more technical details, I recommend referring to the EIP-3675 specification.