- The blobs are approaching: Dencun will activate on Goerli at 6:32 UTC on January 17, 2024.
- Dencun will serve as Goerli’s final enhancement before core teams cease their support. More information is available in a previous article.
- Provided that the Goerli upgrade proceeds smoothly, the Sepolia and Holesky testnets will roll out Dencun in the following weeks.
- To get email notifications for network upgrade updates, subscribe here.
The Dencun network upgrade is poised to go live on the Goerli testnet at 6:32 UTC on January 17, 2024. The upgrade features numerous modifications, notably the launch of temporary data blobs via EIP-4844, also called “protodanksharding”, designed to lower L2 transactional fees.
Dencun follows last year’s Shapella upgrade. Initially, it will be introduced to the Goerli testnet. If no significant problems arise, it will then proceed to Sepolia and Holesky. Once Dencun is operational without issues on all three testnets, activation on mainnet will be arranged.
Dencun marks the last upgrade for Goerli. After its activation on mainnet, both client and EF testing teams will discontinue support for the Goerli testnet. For further information, see this previous announcement.
Upgrade Specification
The Dencun upgrade incorporates modifications to both Ethereum’s consensus and execution layers. The comprehensive list of protocol alterations can be found in EIP-7569. For reference, they include:
Deneb
Total python specifications for modifications affecting Ethereum’s consensus layer are accessible in the deneb folder of the ethereum/consensus-specs repository.
Cancun
The EIPs referenced above contain the complete specifications for changes impacting Ethereum’s execution layer.
Additionally, a python specification for these changes is being developed in the ethereum/execution-specs repository.
Finally, Deneb mandates adjustments to the Engine API, utilized for communication between the consensus and execution layer nodes. These changes are delineated in the cancun.md file of the ethereum/execution-apis repository.
Client Releases
The subsequent client releases facilitate Dencun on Goerli. Future versions will enable support on other testnets and mainnet. Once these are available, an additional announcement will follow here.
When selecting which client to operate, validators should particularly consider the risks associated with running a predominant client on either the execution layer (EL) or consensus layer (CL). An explanation of these risks and their implications can be found here. An assessment of current EL and CL client distribution and guidance for transitioning between clients can be discovered here.
Consensus Layer Goerli Releases
Note: when operating a validator, both the Consensus Layer Beacon Node and Validator Client must be updated.
Execution Layer Goerli Releases
Note: while Reth provides support for Dencun, this client is still awaiting a comprehensive audit and is not advisable for production purposes. Refer to the Reth README for more information.
Dencun Bug Bounty Bonus
All Dencun-related bug bounties for relevant vulnerabilities will obtain a 2x multiplier from now until two weeks prior to the scheduled mainnet upgrade. Critical issues may now yield up to $500,000 USD! Check the bug bounty program for additional details.
FAQ
As an Ethereum user or Ether holder, is there anything I need to do?
In brief, no.
If you utilize an exchange, digital wallet, or hardware wallet, you are not required to take any action unless instructed to do so by your exchange or wallet provider.
If you operate your own Ethereum node, please refer to the next inquiry.
As a non-staking Goerli node operator, what steps must I take?
In order to align with the Goerli upgrade, upgrade your node to the version of your Ethereum client indicated in the table above.
As a Goerli staker, what steps must I take?
To ensure compatibility with the Goerli upgrade, please update your node to the version of your Ethereum client specified in the table above. Ensure that both your beacon node and validator client are updated!
As a non-Goerli node operator or staker, what should I do?
Nothing at this moment. Additional announcements will follow for Dencun’s activation on Sepolia, Holesky, and mainnet. You can subscribe for email notifications regarding these updates here.
Stakers interested in practicing the upgrade process multiple times before mainnet are encouraged to utilize ephemery.dev, which will soon offer support for Dencun.
What will happen if I am a Goerli staker or node operator and I choose not to engage in the upgrade?
If you are utilizing an Ethereum client that hasn’t been upgraded to the latest version (as listed above), your client will sync to the pre-fork blockchain upon the upgrade’s implementation.
You will remain on an incompatible chain adhering to the previous rules and will find yourself unable to send Ether or operate on the post-Dencun Ethereum network.
As an application or tooling developer, what actions should I take?
Examine the EIPs included in Dencun to understand if and how they impact your project — numerous new and exciting features are being rolled out across both the execution and consensus layers! The only EIPs that carry implications for backwards compatibility are EIP-6780, EIP-7044 and EIP-7514.
Where can I track the upgrade progress?
The Goerli upgrade will be streamed live here.
Why is it called “Dencun”?
Upgrades to the consensus layer utilize star names, while those to the execution layer adopt the names of Devcon cities. “Dencun” merges Deneb, a prominent star in the Cygnus constellation, with Cancun, the host city for Devcon 3.
Original cover image by Darren Lawrence, with adaptations by Tomo Saito.