Docs

eth_protocolVersion - Boba Network RPC Method

Get the current Ethereum protocol version on Boba Network. Useful for client compatibility checks and identifying version-gated features.

Returns the current Ethereum protocol version used by the Boba Network node.

Why Boba Network? Build on the Hybrid Compute L2 enabling smart contracts to access AI models and Web2 APIs natively with HybridCompute 2.0 for native AI/API access, $70M ecosystem funding, OP Stack compatibility, and two-way offchain integration.

When to Use This Method

eth_protocolVersion is useful for AI dApp developers, enterprise integration teams, and builders requiring offchain compute access:

  • Client Compatibility — Verify that a node supports the protocol version your application requires
  • Version-Gated Features — Enable or disable features based on the protocol version (e.g., EIP-1559 support)
  • Multi-Client Environments — Ensure consistent protocol versions across a fleet of nodes
  • Debugging — Diagnose issues caused by protocol version mismatches between clients

Code Examples

Common Use Cases

1. Node Compatibility Check

Verify protocol version before enabling features:

JavaScript
async function checkCompatibility(provider, minVersion) {
  const result = await provider.send('eth_protocolVersion', []);
  const version = parseInt(result, 16);

  if (version >= minVersion) {
    console.log(`Node supports required protocol version ${minVersion}`);
    return true;
  } else {
    console.warn(`Node protocol version ${version} is below required ${minVersion}`);
    return false;
  }
}

2. Multi-Node Version Audit

Check protocol consistency across a fleet of Boba Network nodes:

JavaScript
async function auditNodeVersions(endpoints) {
  const results = await Promise.all(
    endpoints.map(async (endpoint) => {
      const provider = new JsonRpcProvider(endpoint);
      const [protocolVersion, clientVersion] = await Promise.all([
        provider.send('eth_protocolVersion', []),
        provider.send('web3_clientVersion', [])
      ]);
      return {
        endpoint,
        protocolVersion: parseInt(protocolVersion, 16),
        clientVersion
      };
    })
  );

  const versions = new Set(results.map(r => r.protocolVersion));
  if (versions.size > 1) {
    console.warn('Protocol version mismatch detected across nodes');
  }

  return results;
}

3. Feature Detection

Enable features based on the protocol version:

JavaScript
async function getNodeCapabilities(provider) {
  try {
    const version = parseInt(await provider.send('eth_protocolVersion', []), 16);

    return {
      protocolVersion: version,
      supportsEIP1559: version >= 65,
      supportsSnapSync: version >= 66
    };
  } catch {
    // Some clients (e.g., post-Merge) may not support this method
    return { protocolVersion: null, supportsEIP1559: true, supportsSnapSync: true };
  }
}

Error Handling

Common errors and solutions:

Error CodeDescriptionSolution
-32601Method not foundSome post-Merge clients no longer support this method
-32603Internal errorNode may be initializing — retry after delay
-32005Rate limit exceededReduce request frequency