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Staking basics

What Is MEV?

Shivendra Singh

• 5 min read
Introduction to MEV Banner Image

MEV (Miner Extractable Value), is the value that could be extracted by miners from the Ethereum blockchain through the Systemic and well-thought reordering of transactions. MEV extraction can be performed via a variety of methods, including sandwiching, frontrunning, and sniping. In the following article, we’ll be deep diving into everything that you’ll need to know about MEV.

Importance of MEV in the cryptocurrency space

For the users who’re into Ethereum mining or using the Ethereum blockchain, it is really important to know about MEV works because MEV can impact the value of your transactions and decide on how much could be extracted from the blockchain and plan accordingly.

Also Read: Smart Contracts

How does MEV occur in the blockchain context?

MEV occurs in the blockchain context because miners have the power to choose which transactions to include in blocks. This means that miners can strategically reorder the transactions to extract value from the blockchain.

For example, Robert wants to buy 1 ETH from Elly. Robert submits a transaction to the Ethereum network, but the transaction is not yet executed to a block. Meanwhile, a miner sees Robert's transaction and realizes that they can profit by frontrunning him. The miner then performs a smaller transaction to buy 0.9 ETH from Elly. The miner then waits for Robert's transaction to be executed in a block and then submits a larger transaction to sell 1 ETH to Robert. The miner is able to profit from this transaction because they were able to buy 0.9 ETH from Elly and sell it to Robert for 1 ETH.

Different ways to extract MEV

There are a variety of ways to extract MEV. Some of the most common methods include:

  • Frontrunning: Frontrunning, is an MEV extraction technique where the miner sees a large transaction and then submits a smaller transaction that benefits from the larger transaction. For example, if a user submits a transaction to buy 10 ETH, a miner might see this transaction and then submit a smaller transaction to buy 9 ETH. The miner can then sell their 9 ETH for a profit after the user's transaction has increased the price of ETH.

  • Sandwiching: Sandwiching, is an MEV extraction technique where a miner sees 2 transactions and then submits a transaction that benefits from both the transactions. For example, if a user submits a transaction to sell 10 ETH and another user submits a transaction to buy 10 ETH, a miner might see these transactions and then submit a transaction to sell 11 ETH. The miner would see this opportunity to buy the 10 ETH from the first user and sell it to the second user for a profit while making a profit of 1 ETH.

  • Sniping: Sniping is a type of MEV extraction technique in which a miner sees a large buy or sell order and then submits a transaction to take advantage of the order. For example, if a user submits a large buy order for 10 ETH, a miner might see this order and then submit a transaction to sell 10 ETH for a higher price. The miner would then be able to profit from the difference in prices.

Also Read: Ethereum Staking Rewards

Role of MEV in DeFi protocols

MEV has an important role to play in DeFi protocols. DeFi protocols built on the Ethereum blockchain, rely on miners to process the transactions. MEV can impact the value of transactions in DeFi protocols.

For example, let's say that Robert wants to provide liquidity to a DeFi protocol. He deposits 1 ETH into the protocol and receives 100 Liquidity Provider Tokens in return. Robert then wants to withdraw his ETH, but he realizes that he can profit by frontrunning his own withdrawal. Robert submits a transaction to withdraw 1 ETH from the protocol. The miner sees Robert's transaction and realizes that they can profit by frontrunning him. The miner submits a smaller transaction to withdraw 0.9 ETH from the protocol. The miner then waits for Robert's transaction to be included in a block and then submits a larger transaction to deposit 1 ETH into the protocol. The miner is able to profit from this transaction because they were able to withdraw 0.9 ETH from the protocol and then deposit 1 ETH into the protocol.

Impact of MEV on the Ethereum network

MEV have a significant impact on the Ethereum network. MEV can lead to higher gas prices and can make it more difficult for users to use the Ethereum network.

For example, let's say that Robert wants to make a transaction on the Ethereum network. Robert submits a transaction to the Ethereum network, but the transaction is not yet included in a block. Meanwhile, a miner sees Robert's transaction and realizes that they can profit by frontrunning him. The miner submits a smaller transaction to make the same transaction as Robert. The miner then waits for Robert's transaction to be included in a block and then submits a larger transaction to cancel the smaller transaction. The miner is able to profit from this transaction because they were able to make the same transaction as Robert for a lower gas.

There have been a number of MEV-related developments in the Ethereum space. Some of the most notable developments include:

  • The launch of MEV-Geth, a tool that allows users to see MEV opportunities.

  • The development of MEV-boosters, which are tools that help users extract more MEV.

  • The launch of MEV-auctions, which are auctions where miners can bid on the right to include transactions in blocks.


Potential opportunities and challenges associated with MEV:

There are a number of potential opportunities and challenges associated with MEV. Some of the potential opportunities include:

  • Increased efficiency: MEV can lead to increased efficiency in the Ethereum network. For example, MEV can lead to lower gas prices and faster transaction confirmations.

  • Increased innovation: MEV can lead to increased innovation in the Ethereum space. For example, MEV can lead to the development of new DeFi protocols and new ways to extract MEV.

Some of the potential challenges associated with MEV include:

  • Centralization: MEV can be a cause of  centralization of the Ethereum network. For example, MEV can advantage a small number of miners who can extract most of the MEV.

  • Security risks: MEV can lead to security risks in the Ethereum network. For example, MEV can be used to front-run the users and steal their funds.

It’s important to keep in mind that MEV is a complex topic that is still under exploration. There are a number of challenges and potential opportunities associated with MEV, so it’s important to understand MEV and how it can impact the Ethereum network before taking advantage of the same.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q) How does MEV differ from traditional mining rewards?

Ans) MEV is extracted by miners via a strategic reordering of the transactions, whereas traditional mining rewards are distributed on the basis of the amount of computational work done.

MEV could be extracted from any transaction, whereas the traditional mining rewards are only earned for processing transactions that pay a fee.

MEV can be extracted by anyone who has the ability to submit transactions to the Ethereum blockchain, while traditional mining rewards can only be earned by miners who have the necessary computational power and technical expertise.




Q) What are some risks associated with MEV extraction?

Ans) It's important to know about the risks associated with MEV extraction before participating in any transactions on the Ethereum blockchain. There are a number of risks associated with MEV extraction, including:

  • Centralization risks
  • Security risks
  • Front-running risks

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