Ethereum’s latest testnet deployment, codenamed Fusaka, on the Sepolia network signifies a crucial advancement in its ongoing pursuit of enhanced scalability and efficiency. This activation, following its initial phase on the Holesky testnet, focuses on rigorously testing a pivotal upgrade designed to significantly increase the network’s transaction processing capacity and overall throughput.
The core objective of this testing phase is to validate the robustness of a new data availability system and to explore the implications of raising the block gas limit to 60 million. Such an increase is projected to accommodate a greater volume of transactions and smart contract executions without negatively impacting network security or node performance.
A key innovation introduced is Peer Data Availability Sampling (PeerDAS). This sophisticated technique allows validators to confirm the availability of data without the need for a full download. By reducing the data validation burden on individual nodes, PeerDAS is instrumental in improving network efficiency and fostering greater decentralization, thereby strengthening the network’s resilience.
Consensys developers have emphasized that the current node architecture has undergone optimization to effectively manage larger block sizes, ensuring stability. The final stage of testing is slated for the Hoodi testnet on October 28th, with the anticipated official mainnet launch targeted for December 2025. This phased approach to deployment underscores a commitment to thorough testing and gradual integration of complex upgrades.
This initiative aligns with Ethereum’s strategic roadmap for continuous improvement, building upon foundational upgrades such as “The Merge,” which transitioned the network to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, and the “Shanghai” upgrade that enabled staked ETH withdrawals. Most recently, the “Dencun” upgrade notably reduced gas costs by up to 95%, showcasing the network’s capacity for transformative enhancements.
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