Ethereum: Geth – A Common Issue with Missing Completed Blocks
As a long-time Ethereum developer and user, I recently experienced an unexpected power outage that caused me to have trouble launching my Geth + Prysm clients. What should have been a smooth process quickly turned into a frustrating experience when I realized that the number of completed blocks on the blockchain had jumped by a day.
This issue is not unique to this specific situation; it is a common issue faced by many Ethereum users, including developers and users who rely on Geth or other decentralized applications (dApps) built on the Ethereum network. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this issue and explore possible solutions to avoid similar issues in the future.
Basics
Before we dive into the details of the problem, it is essential to understand some basic concepts related to Ethereum and its blockchain:
- Block
: A block is a collection of transactions, known as blocks, that are added to the blockchain.
- Finalized Block Number (FBN): The FBN represents the latest block number on the Ethereum network.
- Prysm: Prysm is an Ethereum-based cryptocurrency that uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.
Problem with Geth and Prysm clients
When using the Geth or Prysm clients to access the Ethereum blockchain, you should keep the following in mind:
- The client’s local FBN is not always in sync with the global FBN.
- If a block is not properly included in the blockchain, it may skip a day and appear to be lost.
Cause of the problem
There are several reasons why this issue may occur:
- Network congestion: Heavy network congestion can cause delays or block skipping.
- Server issues: Server issues or maintenance can affect block inclusion and synchronization.
- Local configuration: Incorrect local configurations, such as outdated blockchain data, can lead to discrepancies between the client FBN and the global FBN.
Workarounds and solutions
While there are no guaranteed solutions that will prevent the issue from occurring, here are a few solutions you can try:
- Synchronize your clients: Make sure that the Geth and Prysm clients are running with their local FBNs set to match the global FBN.
- Adjust your client settings: Check your client for any settings that could be causing the issue, such as a custom blockchain or a modified local blockchain data file.
- Contact Support: Contact the Geth and Prysm teams for assistance in resolving the issue.
While this issue is not unique to Ethereum, it highlights the importance of understanding the underlying mechanics of the network and being prepared to address any issues that may arise.
By understanding the causes of this issue and implementing solutions or seeking help, you can minimize the impact of the issue on your daily activities.