Starknet’s new TPS record suggests that Ethereum has scaling potential, but it also raises key questions concerning real-world scalability.
On Oct. 29, Starknet, an Ethereum layer-2 (L2) scaling solution, achieved a significant milestone by reaching a peak of 857 transactions per second (TPS) during a controlled stress test.
The test recorded an average of 127.5 TPS over a 24-hour period, demonstrating the network’s capability to handle high-demand blockchain applications while also raising concerns about its long-term scalability.
Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO of StarkWare, explained to Cointelegraph that some networks may try to achieve “high TPS by compromising on values,” but Starknet’s test illustrated that it can scale effectively without sacrificing integrity:
“This is not a narrow story of ‘success on Starknet.’ It’s an illustration that scaling on blockchain is taking big leaps forward, and that the rails are getting ready for mass use.”
Blockchain Throughput Breakthrough
The stress test simulated a high-demand gaming environment and showcased fast transaction speeds and enhanced throughput compared to competitors like Coinbase’s Base network.
Ben-Sasson noted that the “beauty” of the stress test lay in its ability to showcase Starknet’s “firepower” in a context familiar to casual gamers.
“Gamers were able to easily participate in the test — without having to deal with the cumbersome process of blockchain tech,” he remarked.
According to data from L2Beat, Starknet’s peak of 857 TPS far exceeded Base’s maximum of 79.92 TPS on Oct. 29, representing an almost 1,100% improvement over the Coinbase network.
Real-World Performance Considerations
While the results from Starknet’s test are promising, the controlled conditions may not accurately depict real-world scenarios.
Scaling to accommodate a larger user base can lead to unpredictable challenges, such as congestion and rising gas fees, as experienced on networks like Ethereum.
Though the Solana blockchain has reportedly handled up to 65,000 TPS under optimal conditions, it has also experienced outages due to high traffic and network bugs.
Starknet Plans Ahead
Ben-Sasson told Cointelegraph that this is just “the very start” of Starknet’s efforts to increase its TPS limits, revealing that more developments are in the works.
“We have many more developments in the pipeline that will enable Starknet’s TPS to reach new heights, including the introduction of the STWO prover in early 2025,” he said.
