In a significant stride towards enhancing Ethereum’s scalability, core developers have tentatively scheduled the much-anticipated Fusaka upgrade for early December. The announcement came during the recent All Core Developers Consensus (ACDC) call, held last Thursday. This upgrade, aimed at further scaling the blockchain, marks a crucial step in Ethereum’s ongoing evolution, with an eye towards improving both performance and user experience.
A December Launch on the Horizon
Set to potentially go live on December 3, the Fusaka upgrade will first undergo rigorous testing across three public test networks this October. These trials are critical for ensuring the robustness of the new features before they reach Ethereum’s mainnet. Developers have underscored the importance of these tests, acknowledging that the final go-ahead will depend on their outcomes. While the exact epoch numbers and timing are yet to be finalized, the community eagerly anticipates the clarity expected in the coming days.
Blob Capacity Expansion via BPO Forks
One of the most exciting aspects of the Fusaka upgrade is its subsequent Blob Parameter Only (BPO) forks, which promise to significantly boost blob capacity. Although Fusaka itself won’t alter blob parameters immediately, developers have outlined a phased approach to scaling blob availability. One week following the Fusaka launch, BPO-1 will increase the blob target and maximum from 6/9 to 10/15. Another week later, BPO-2 will further elevate these limits to 14/21. These incremental adjustments are informed by performance observations on the Fusaka Devnet-5, ensuring a safe expansion of capacity without necessitating client-side software updates.
Blobs, which were introduced in the Dencun upgrade back in March, have revolutionized the way Ethereum handles large volumes of rollup transaction data. By enabling more efficient storage, blobs effectively reduce costs for users of layer-2 scaling networks — a vital consideration as Ethereum continues to grow and adapt to increasing demand.
The Road Ahead
Ethereum researcher Christine Kim highlighted the call’s key points on X, noting that additional BPOs remain part of the long-term roadmap for Fusaka. However, only the first two have been scheduled during this week’s call. This phased rollout aligns with Ethereum’s strategy to incrementally improve scalability while keeping network disruption to a minimum.
The Fusaka upgrade follows closely on the heels of May’s Pectra upgrade, which brought about significant changes in validator staking and introduced new account abstraction features. These successive updates underscore Ethereum’s relentless push to optimize scalability and network efficiency, crucial for maintaining its position as a leading blockchain platform.
Balancing Innovation and Stability
For Ethereum, the challenge lies in balancing rapid innovation with network stability. The phased approach to the Fusaka upgrade reflects a cautious yet progressive strategy, ensuring that each step is thoroughly tested before wider implementation. This methodology not only enhances the network’s resilience but also builds confidence among users and developers alike.
However, it’s not just about technical enhancements. The Fusaka upgrade also represents a broader vision of making Ethereum more accessible and cost-effective for its users. By reducing costs associated with rollup transactions, Ethereum continues to democratize blockchain access, making it feasible for a wider audience.
Community and Developer Engagement
The Ethereum community, known for its active engagement and collaborative spirit, plays a crucial role in the success of these upgrades. Developers, researchers, and users alike contribute to a dynamic ecosystem where feedback is not only welcomed but encouraged. This collaborative environment ensures that upgrades like Fusaka are well-rounded and cater to the diverse needs of the Ethereum community.
Looking forward, as the December deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the public test networks. Their success is pivotal for the timely rollout of Fusaka and the subsequent BPO forks. As Ethereum continues to evolve, these upgrades signify more than just technical advancements; they are milestones in the journey towards a more scalable, efficient, and accessible blockchain.
In conclusion, the Fusaka upgrade and its associated BPO forks represent yet another leap forward in Ethereum’s evolution. With scalability at the forefront of its development agenda, Ethereum is poised to meet the demands of its growing user base while continuing to innovate and lead in the blockchain space.
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
