#What is the significance of the Beryl network upgrade?
Base is set to launch its Beryl network upgrade on June 25, which will introduce an innovative native token standard. This standard will facilitate the issuance of stablecoins, real-world assets, and various on-chain tokens.
The Beryl upgrade is currently operational on the Base Sepolia testnet. A notable enhancement of this upgrade is the reduction of the standard withdrawal delay from Base to Ethereum. Additionally, it will optimize node performance through the implementation of Reth V2.
#How does Beryl build on the previous Azul upgrade?
The introduction of Beryl follows closely after the Azul upgrade, which transitioned Base onto the Base Stack and implemented a multiproof system focusing on securing withdrawals. Beryl’s standout feature is the B20 token standard, which operates using code embedded directly in Base node software, diverging from traditional smart contracts.
#What benefits does B20 bring to the ecosystem?
B20 adheres to the ERC-20 specification, ensuring compatibility with existing wallets, exchanges, explorers, indexers, and on-chain protocols. It incorporates an issuer toolkit that provides granular control over minting, burning, pausing, supply caps, transfer restrictions, signature-based approvals, transfer memos, and the ability to freeze or burn assets linked to blocked addresses. Base has confirmed that this toolkit has undergone a thorough audit by both Base and Spearbit.
#What variations of the B20 token will be available?
Upon launch, B20 will offer two distinct variants. The Asset version caters to general token issuance and allows configurable decimals, issuer metadata, event announcements, and rebasing support. Conversely, the Stablecoin variant is tailored for fiat-backed assets, which employs six decimal precision aligned with an issuer-selected currency code. Tokens issued under B20 will function similarly to standard ERC-20 assets, eliminating the need for separate integrations in applications.
In addition to these functionalities, Base plans to permit users to settle transaction fees using B20 tokens rather than ETH. Users will also have access to create virtual deposit addresses and directly retrieve balances, transfer histories, and token metadata through node calls. The anticipated outcome of native execution is a 50% reduction in transfer costs, while also doubling transfer throughput.
#How will Beryl improve withdrawal processes?
Beryl aims to significantly shorten the withdrawal timeframe from Base to Ethereum, reducing it from seven days to just five days. The Azul upgrade had established a one-day withdrawal pathway contingent on the confirmation from two proof systems, but it has seen limited usage due to the high expenses linked with generating the required zero-knowledge proof. Instead, Beryl focuses on streamlining the more prevalent single proof process, allowing the five-day window to sufficiently accommodate the identification and disabling of faulty provers prior to the release of funds.
The Reth V2 implementation promises to enhance disk usage across full, minimal, and archive nodes while expediting the calculation of state roots. Such advancements will empower Base to elevate block gas targets and limits, ensuring that the infrastructure remains robust and capable without overburdening its sequencer or node framework.
#What do users need to do before the launch?
Users do not need to take any action regarding this upgrade, but node operators must ensure that they update to the latest software prior to Beryl going live on June 25. Looking ahead, Base has planned its next upgrade, Cobalt, for September. This upgrade is expected to introduce native account abstraction, enhance B20 capabilities, and unify the network’s consensus and execution clients into a singular node binary.