Ethereum is set to release its Fusaka upgrade in December to improve scalability and reduce transaction costs.
- Fusaka upgrade launches Dec. 3, with blob capacity increases coming later.
- Blobs help store large data offchain, making the network more efficient.
- Exit queue hits a record high as 2.6 million ETH is set to be withdrawn.
Ethereum to Launch Fusaka Upgrade in December
Ethereum developers have picked December 3 for the launch of its next major upgrade called Fusaka. This upgrade aims to make the Ethereum network faster and more efficient by improving how it handles large data sets called blobs.
The blob capacity will be increased in two stages. The first increase will happen around December 17, and the second one on January 7, 2026. Both these events will more than double the current blob capacity, according to Ethereum researcher Christine D. Kim.
How Fusaka Will Improve Ethereum
Blobs help store large amounts of data away from the main blockchain. This makes it cheaper and faster to process transactions, especially for layer-2 networks. The average blob count per block has gone up from just 0.9 in March 2023 to 5.1 today. This shows that more people are using this feature as it becomes more useful.
Fusaka will go through three public testnets from October to mid-November before its final release. Each of these versions will test changes in blob limits, a process developers call Blob Parameter Only (BPO) forks. These changes don’t require updates from app developers, making the transition smoother.
Large Exit Queue for Staking Raises Concerns
While Fusaka is getting ready, Ethereum is seeing a rise in the number of people removing their staked ETH. Last week, over 2.6 million ETH (worth about $12 billion) entered the exit queue, which is the list of users waiting to withdraw their ETH. The current wait time is around 43 days.
Some in the community are worried this could push prices down if too much ETH is sold at once. However, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin said the long exit process is needed to protect the network. He explained that cutting the wait time could put Ethereum’s security at risk, responding to concerns expressed by Michael Marcantonio from Galaxy Digital.
Security Audits Underway
To ensure Fusaka is safe, the Ethereum Foundation has launched a four-week audit of the code behind it. They’re offering $2 million in rewards to developers who can find and report any bugs. This is part of Ethereum’s goal to make sure the upgrade goes smoothly when it launches in December.
Source: cointelegraph.com
