The number of Ethereum nodes has nearly exceeded the number of nodes on the Bitcoin network, showcasing a surge in activity in the lead up to ETH 2.0.
Data from Ethernodes shows that the number of network nodes has increased sharply from Nov. 16 to date.
Anticipating Ethereum 2.0
Ethereum nodes now total 11,161, up from just under 9,000 a month ago. This spike has pushed Ethereum into a neck-and-neck race against Bitcoin’s 11,360 nodes.
The rise in nodes coincides with the heavy anticipation surrounding Ethereum 2.0, slated to launch on Dec. 1.
Nodes play an important role in verifying transactions on the Ethereum blockchain. The increase in the number of nodes is an indicator of the confidence that users have in Ethereum.
Several other metrics relating to Ethereum network activity have experienced equally drastic increases over the past two weeks. ETH 2.0’s deposit contract, which went live on Nov. 4, reached the threshold required for a Dec. 1 launch.
The beacon chain will run parallel to the current blockchain and its launch is one of Ethereum’s biggest milestones in its history, though many of the proposed changes will come at a later date.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin provided a summarized roadmap for development and the expected benefits in a recent Reddit AMA.
Catching Up to Bitcoin
The surge in activity on Ethereum is unsurprising, especially with ETH 2.0 around the corner. Both networks are on an uptrend, and investor sentiment for Bitcoin is also skyrocketing.
Bitcoin too has had a strong past few months, largely as a result of the number of institutional investors joining the market.
This includes support from PayPal and interest from hedge fund managers like Gold Bullion International’s Dan Tapiero. Both retail investors and institutional investors have spoken of a potential price rise as a result.
Bitcoin is currently near its all-time high, though the past week has been volatile. The asset is currently hovering around the $18,500 mark.
While it is not certain if it will make a new all-time high this time around, investor sentiment is certainly high.
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