Also referred to as Ethereum 2.0, ETH2 is intended to be a significant improvement to the Ethereum blockchain network. It consists of a series of steps that lead to the switch from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS). Avalanche, Cardano, and Solana are just a few of the huge blockchain networks that already employ the PoS consensus process.
By switching to PoS, Ethereum hopes to increase transaction efficiency, which will lead to quicker processing times, cheaper gas costs, and higher security. Anyone can join the Ethereum network as a staker, also known as an ETH2 validator, thanks to PoS. By staking ETH2, users pledge money to the network's security and ensure that only valid transactions are approved. Stakers receive staking rewards in the form of ETH2 for their efforts in securing the Ethereum network. A staker earns more ETH2 in rewards the more ETH2 they commit.