The Solana blockchain is exploring quantum resistance through a partnership with Project Eleven. However, the initial results of this partnership have revealed that Solana might be forced to sacrifice scalability, as upgrades to make the chain quantum-resistant could reduce the network’s speed by 90%.
Solana Partners With Project Eleven For Quantum Resistance
Last year, the Solana Foundation announced it was working with a cryptography firm, Project Eleven, to improve the blockchain’s post-quantum security. As a result of this partnership, the first post-quantum signatures went live on a Solana testnet.
However, the early results of this partnership have suggested that efforts to achieve quantum readiness will face challenges. According to a recent report, improving blockchain security against quantum computing threats might affect its speed.
According to the report, upgrades that offer resistance to the quantum threat require substantial data and computational resources. This ends up slowing the blockchain and might affect usage in the long run.
High transaction throughput is one of Solana’s biggest selling points. The chain offers higher speed and scalability compared to rival networks such as Ethereum, contributing to high network usage. Therefore, if it gives up speed in pursuit of quantum security, it may lose one of its biggest competitive edges.
 
SOL Price Rally Depends on Upgrade
According to analyst Crypto Patel, Solana has the potential to rally, but its gains will largely depend on how the network addresses scalability issues as it pursues greater future security.
“Solana Is Testing Quantum-Resistant Cryptography, Staying Ahead Of The Curve. Whether $SOL Hits $1000 Next Alt Season Depends On How They Solve The 90% Speed Tradeoff,” the analyst said.
His remarks come at a time when the Solana blockchain has continued to lead other networks in terms of usage. According to an X post by Solana Sensei, SOL recently processes 36 times as many transactions as Ethereum, despite the latter being five years older. So far, Solana has handled 106 billion transactions, notably more than Ethereum’s 3.36 billion.
Despite high network usage and upcoming upgrades, SOL continues to trend bearish. Data from CoinMarketCap shows that SOL has dropped 35% year-to-date and is trading at $80 at press time, with a 2.2% intraday loss.
