Ethereum: A Closer Look at Confirmation Levels
As a cryptocurrency enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with the concept of confirmation levels in blockchain networks like Ethereum. In this article, we’ll delve into how these levels work and what they mean for your transactions.
What is Confirmation?
In a blockchain network, every transaction is verified through a process called “consensus.” This verification ensures that all nodes on the network agree on the validity of the transaction and its contents. The confirmation level represents the number of times a transaction must be broadcast to the network before it’s considered “confirmed.”
What does Confirmation Level mean?
A higher confirmation level means more confirmation is required for a transaction to be added to the blockchain. In Ethereum, transactions typically start with a single confirmation level (SFL), which can range from 1 to 10. The following levels indicate additional confirmations:
- 0 SFL: New block: This is the most basic level of confirmation. A new block must contain at least one unconfirmed transaction before it’s considered part of the blockchain.
- 1 SFL: First block confirmation: In Ethereum, a new block typically requires two confirmations to be considered valid. This means that both nodes on the network agree on the validity of the first block before adding it to the chain.
- 2 SFL: Second block confirmation: Once a second block is added to the network (a total of six blocks), each subsequent block must have at least three confirmations to be considered part of the blockchain.
- 3-5 SFLs: Additional block confirmations: With five or more blocks, each additional block requires at least one more confirmation level. This means that a single transaction may need up to 10 confirmations before being added to the blockchain.
What does it mean when transactions have low confirmations?
When you see a transaction with only two confirmations (99 and 95), it’s likely that:
- The sender or recipient is still verifying their identity, which takes time.
- There may be issues with the network connectivity or block pruning (a process where older blocks are discarded to speed up the chain).
- The transaction has not yet reached the second block confirmation level.
When will the Transaction be Successful?
To send a transaction successfully, you’ll need to ensure that it meets all the requirements:
- SFL
: Confirm at least one unconfirmed transaction.
- First block confirmation (2 SFLs)
: Ensure both nodes on the network agree on the validity of the first block.
- Second block confirmation (5-10 SFLs): At this point, each subsequent block must have three or more confirmations.
If you’re experiencing issues with low confirmations and still waiting for your transaction to be successful, it’s essential to:
- Verify your identity and check that the network is functioning correctly.
- Ensure that all parties involved are using the correct wallet address or private key.
- Be patient and give the network time to process the transaction.
Remember, confirmation levels are not a guarantee of success. In Ethereum, there can be various reasons why transactions may take longer than expected to propagate across the network. However, by understanding how confirmation levels work, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot any issues that arise during your transactions.
