Benchmarking Blockchain Data Availability: Polkadot ELVES vs Modular DA Layers

[prasad-kumkar]

Project Abstract

We propose a comprehensive research study comparing the data availability (DA) mechanisms of Polkadot’s integrated availability protocol (used in ELVES) with those of leading blockchain DA schemes like Celestia, Avail, Espresso's Tiramisu, and NEAR. Our goal is to evaluate and benchmark these systems on key performance, security, and efficiency metrics, such as bandwidth usage, latency, light-client trust assumptions, and validator resource overhead. We will use real network telemetry from Polkadot/Kusama, Celestia mainnet, Avail testnet, and other platforms, along with protocol analysis and reproducible experiments, to generate a detailed and objective comparison.

The research will deliver a deeply technical report, open-source benchmarking tools, and curated datasets, all licensed openly under Apache-2.0 and CC BY 4.0. The findings will inform protocol developers, parachain teams, and researchers about the strengths and trade-offs of each approach, and highlight Polkadot's positioning in a growing ecosystem of modular and scalable blockchain architectures. We also propose optional dissemination via an interactive dashboard, tutorial videos, and blog posts to maximize the accessibility and long-term value of the research.

This proposal is in response to the Research Task shared by W3F.

Grant level

• Level 1: Up to $10,000, 2 approvals
• Level 2: Up to $30,000, 3 approvals
• Level 3: Unlimited, 5 approvals (for >$100k: Web3 Foundation Council approval)

Application Checklist

• The application template has been copied and aptly renamed (project_name.md).
• I have read the application guidelines.
• Payment details have been provided (Polkadot AssetHub (USDC & DOT) address in the application and bank details via email, if applicable).
• I understand that an agreed upon percentage of each milestone will be paid in vested DOT, to the Polkadot address listed in the application.
• I am aware that, in order to receive a grant, I (and the entity I represent) have to successfully complete a KYC/KYB check.
• The software delivered for this grant will be released under an open-source license specified in the application.
• The initial PR contains only one commit (squash and force-push if needed).
• The grant will only be announced once the first milestone has been accepted (see the announcement guidelines).
• I prefer the discussion of this application to take place in a private Element/Matrix channel. My username is: @prasad-kumkar:matrix.org (change the homeserver if you use a different one)

[github-actions]

CLA Assistant Lite bot All contributors have signed the CLA ✍️ ✅

[prasad-kumkar]

I have read and hereby sign the Contributor License Agreement.

[github-actions]

The applicant has requested the discussion of the application to happen in a private chat room.

[keeganquigley]

I am willing to approve. In the meantime can you please fill out KYC/KYB verification? Thanks!

[semuelle]

LGTM

[github-actions]

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