The Berachain community is rolling out a proposal to cut back transaction inclusion times from two seconds to around 200 milliseconds, joining a wave of blockchain networks aiming to offer near-instant transaction feedback.
The proposal “BRIP-0007: Berachain Preconfirmations” describes the implementation of an optional “Fast Lane” for users who want speed without compromising the chain’s core security guarantees.
It introduces a mechanism that enables transactions to look confirmed in lower than a second, making decentralized finance (DeFi) swaps, on-chain gaming interactions, and other latency-sensitive applications feel just as responsive as traditional Web2 apps.
The proposal states that the pre-confirmation layer is not going to change the present consensus design of the network. Instead, it adds a sequencer that batches transactions into small “sub-blocks,” providing near-real-time feedback to wallets and decentralized applications (DApps) before final settlement occurs through the same old two-second block cycle.
Berachain pre-confirmations proposal. Source: Berachain
What pre-confirmations bring to Berachain
By introducing a light-weight sequencer that temporarily validates and sends partial transaction data, the pre-confirmation design goals to cut back perceived latency.
This means users will see their transactions inside 200 milliseconds, although full finality still occurs inside the original two-second schedule.
This development would help decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and Web3 games feel faster and indistinguishable from centralized systems. It would also allow developers to construct applications where exchanges, moves or payments feel instantaneous, even when full settlement lags a bit.
The proposal also emphasizes security and liveliness. If the sequencer synchronization fails, Berachain simply reverts to its default two-second block formation cycle, ensuring network stability.
Pre-confirmations on other blockchain networks
Berachain isn’t the primary blockchain to explore the concept of pre-confirmations. The concept originated in Ethereum research circles, where developers wanted to offer “soft confirmations” before a transaction is accomplished on-chain.
Ethereum Layer 2 networks are experimenting with similar near-instant inclusion capabilities through shared sequencers and fast lane systems. In July, Base implemented Flashblocks, bringing pre-confirmations to its mainnet.
On Thursday, preliminary confirmations were delivered to the Ethereum mainnet via a brand new Remote Call Procedure (RPC) from Ethereum infrastructure platform Primev. This enables faster transfers and smart contract interactions inside the mainnet.
