ENSNode is a next-generation multichain indexer for Ethereum Name Service (ENS) that delivers 10x faster performance while enabling expansion across Ethereum mainnet and Layer 2 networks like Base and Linea. The project's plugin-based architecture creates a unified naming system throughout the Ethereum ecosystem, replacing the current Graph Node-based solution with a more efficient, self-hostable alternative that aligns with Ethereum's decentralization principles. ENSNode provides developers with backward-compatible APIs for seamless migration, direct Postgres database access for complex queries, and client-side live query support for real-time updates. By eliminating the need for complex Graph Node setup or paid API keys, ENSNode lowers barriers to building with ENS and contributes directly to Ethereum's scalability strategy by ensuring core infrastructure operates efficiently across the entire network topology. This creates a more cohesive user experience and strengthens Ethereum's position as the foundation for decentralized identity and naming services as it expands beyond mainnet to the broader ecosystem.

Project Background

Who are we? Namehash Labs builds infrastructure for the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) Protocol. We're passionate about growing ENS and bringing the benefits of decentralized identity to all.

What problem are you solving? ENSNode is a multichain indexer for ENS built on Ponder. It provides enhanced capabilities over the current ENS Subgraph while maintaining compatibility. Key features include multichain indexing for ENS across networks, 10x faster performance, and a flexible plugin architecture supporting future expansion.

Why is this important now? Current ENS infrastructure relies on Graph Node with limitations in speed and multichain support. As ENS expands beyond Ethereum, these limitations become barriers. ENSNode offers an efficient, self-hostable alternative enabling ENS to become a unified naming system.

Where will this be deployed? ENSNode will be deployed across multiple environments, starting with Ethereum mainnet and expanding to L2 networks like Base and Linea. Unlike the current approach—where developers must either use The Graph's semi-decentralized network (requiring paid API keys) or rely on hosted instances—ENSNode is designed to be easily self-hostable. This enables a more distributed architecture where developers can run their own instances, contributing to greater resilience and true decentralization of the ENS ecosystem.

How does your technical approach work? We're exposing three distinct API endpoints: a Subgraph-Compatible GraphQL API for backward compatibility, a Native Ponder GraphQL API with more efficient query patterns, and a Ponder Client API for end-to-end type inference and live updates. We utilize ENSRainbow at runtime to handle the healing of unknown labels. All code is open-source, extensively documented, and built with maintainability as a core principle, addressing a key pain point with the current subgraph implementation.

When will this be available? ENSNode V1 is already developed with core functionality in place. Full public launch is scheduled for Q2 2025. Extended multichain support will roll out throughout 2025-2026 as new L2s gain adoption.

Learn more and access ENSNode documentation here https://ensnode.io/