Ethereum Developers Talk Pectra and Validator Requirements in ACDC Call #148

Galaxy Digital: Ethereum Developers Discuss Key Upgrades During Latest Consensus Call

Ethereum’s Latest Developments: Insights from ACDC Call #148

By Ted Hisokawa
Published: January 10, 2025

On January 9, 2025, Ethereum’s developers gathered for a pivotal All Core Developers Consensus (ACDC) call, marking their first meeting of the year. Chaired by Ethereum Foundation Researcher Alex Stokes, this biweekly series remains crucial for coordinating updates and improvements to Ethereum’s consensus layer, the Beacon Chain. Here at Extreme Investor Network, we’re dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date insights directly from these calls along with unique perspectives on the future of blockchain technology.

Ethereum Developers Discuss Pectra and Validator Requirements in ACDC Call #148

Progress on Pectra: Devnet 5 and Validator Hardware Requirements

A significant portion of the call focused on updates related to Pectra testing and its implementation timeline. Under the leadership of developer "Kev," discussions revolved around establishing precise hardware requirements for validator node operators. This initiative is crucial, especially as Ethereum continues to refine its Proof of Stake consensus method.

An exciting development was the decision to name the upcoming seventh consensus layer fork "Gloas," inspired by the ancient star. This naming process reflects Ethereum’s commitment to weaving cultural and historical significance into its technical journeys, making its updates resonate more deeply with its community.

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Parithosh Jayanthi also shared insights on the ongoing issues in the consensus layer specifications. Resolving these concerns is essential before the launch of Pectra Devnet 5. Excitingly, tests completed on both execution layer (EL) and consensus layer (CL) clients indicate robust performance, suggesting a smoother path ahead for Ethereum’s infrastructure.

Strategic Timelines and Planned Upgrades

An essential part of the conversation was about timelines. Stokes emphasized the importance of coordinating with execution layer client teams before announcing a launch date for Pectra Devnet 5. Tim Beiko, EF Protocol Support Lead, pushed for a launch within the week, aiming to execute upgrades to Ethereum’s public testnets, Sepolia and Holesky, by February, with the mainnet activation possibly occurring by March.

Additionally, deliberations took place regarding whether to upgrade the new Ephemery testnet in tandem with Sepolia and Holesky. The consensus leaned towards prioritizing the Sepolia upgrade, ahead of Holesky, with an eye on consolidating client releases to hasten the mainnet activation process.

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Other Noteworthy Updates: PeerDAS and ENR Specifications

While the call primarily focused on Pectra, developers also discussed enhancements to Ethereum’s scalability, particularly through "PeerDAS," an improvement slated for the upcoming Fusaka upgrade. Although specific updates on this initiative were not shared during the meeting, it emphasizes the continuous evolution of Ethereum’s scalability solutions.

Another significant proposal came from a developer known as "Pop," who suggested adding three new fields to Ethereum Node Records (ENR) specifications. These enhancements aim to boost node connectivity across both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses—an important step for ensuring Ethereum’s adaptability and growth in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. Notably, these changes are designed to be backward compatible, allowing for an easier integration process.

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Lastly, the developers reached a consensus on the name "Gloas" for the seventh upgrade, leading to the playful portmanteau "Glamsterdam" for the combined upgrades of EL and CL. This not only signifies a technical transition but reflects Ethereum’s innovative spirit and community engagement.

As we navigate through 2025, Ethereum’s trajectory remains a focal point in the cryptocurrency sphere. With each ACDC call, we gain more perspective on the intricacies of blockchain development. At Extreme Investor Network, we’re committed to sharing comprehensive analyses and insights designed to empower your investment decisions in crypto. Stay tuned with us for continuous updates on Ethereum and the broader blockchain landscape, as we strive to be your trusted source in the world of cryptocurrencies.