Buterin backs distributed validators to simplify Ethereum staking

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin proposed adding distributed validator technology to Ethereum’s staking system to reduce reliance on single nodes.

Buterin said native DVT would allow Ether stakers to operate across multiple nodes, lowering the risk of penalties from downtime.

“To stake without fully relying on one single node,”

Vitalik Buterin said.

He explained that validator keys could be split across several nodes and secured through threshold signatures.

The system would continue operating correctly as long as a majority of participating nodes remain honest.

Buterin acknowledged that existing DVT solutions are complex but argued protocol-level integration could simplify usage.

His proposal would allow validators to create up to 16 virtual identities treated as one by the network.

Actions such as block production would only be recognised if enough virtual identities approve them.

Buterin said the design would make staking simpler for users while improving decentralisation and security.

The proposal is part of broader efforts to make Ethereum easier to use and will require further discussion before adoption.

At the time of reporting, Ethereum price was $3,013.17.