The Ethereum network is gearing up for its next major hard fork, Fusaka, which is tentatively scheduled to launch in November. This upgrade follows a series of enhancements aimed at increasing the network’s efficiency and scalability.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Fusaka upgrade is the release of its next development network (devnet) on Wednesday. This will be a significant step towards ensuring that the features of Fusaka are robust and ready for the public. In addition, the first public testnet is expected to debut in late September, allowing developers and users to get a firsthand look at the upcoming improvements.
Integral to the Fusaka upgrade are 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), among which is EIP-7825. This proposal seeks to fortify the network against malicious attacks while enabling better scaling capabilities. Another notable proposal is to increase Ethereum’s gas limit to 150 million, aimed at facilitating greater transaction throughput.
- EIP-7825: Enhances network resilience.
- Gas Limit Increase: Proposed to rise to 150 million.
- Public Testnets: Launches in September and October.
- Final Launch: Expected in early November.
However, not all proposals will make the final cut. For instance, EIP-7907, which sought to double the contract code size limit and introduce gas metering, has been removed to expedite the testing process. Ethereum developers have also decided against including the controversial EVM Object Format upgrade in this fork, anticipatory of community feedback and stability.
Ahead of the Fusaka launch, there are growing concerns within the Ethereum community regarding the timeline. Protocol support member Nixo expressed apprehension about maintaining a tight timeline to meet the upcoming Devconnect event scheduled from November 17 to 22 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This event is pivotal for Ethereum enthusiasts, as it brings together developers and users to discuss the future of the protocol and gather feedback.
Furthermore, Ethereum’s network sustainability introduces additional discussions. For instance, core developer Barnabé Monnot advocates for reducing the block time from twelve seconds to six seconds. This proposed improvement could significantly enhance the user experience and optimize decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on the network. If approved, this change may roll out with the subsequent Glamsterdam hard fork projected for 2026.
As the Ethereum ecosystem continues to evolve and adapt, community engagement and feedback are paramount. The demand for frequent upgrades has never been more pronounced, and developers are committed to enhancing performance while ensuring security measures against potential threats.
