The Ethereum network is set to go through a planned network upgrade at block 15,050,000, anticipated to take place on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. The precise date may vary because of fluctuating block times and time zones. Please ensure your node is updated before Monday, June 27, 2022 to consider varied block times.
What is Gray Glacier?
The Gray Glacier network upgrade modifies the parameters of the Ice Age/Difficulty Bomb, delaying it by 700,000 blocks, or approximately 100 days. This adjustment has also been implemented in the Byzantium, Constantinople, Muir Glacier, London, and Arrow Glacier network upgrades. No further alterations are being introduced as part of Gray Glacier.
With Ropsten having transitioned to proof-of-stake, the difficulty bomb now impacts only the Ethereum mainnet. This indicates that Gray Glacier will not be implemented on any testnet.
Client Versions
For compatibility with the Gray Glacier upgrade, node operators must update their client version to one of the versions listed below:
Upgrade Specification and EIPs
The complete specification for the upgrade is accessible in the execution-specs repository under gray-glacier.md.
One EIP is included in the upgrade: EIP-5133: Delaying Difficulty Bomb to Mid September 2022.
As an Ethereum user or ether holder, is there anything I need to do?
If you utilize an exchange, a web wallet service, a mobile wallet service, or a hardware wallet, no action is needed on your part unless instructed otherwise by your exchange or wallet service.
As a node operator or miner, what actions should I take?
Download the most up-to-date version of your Ethereum client, as indicated in the table above.
What occurs if I am a miner or node operator and I do not engage in the upgrade?
If you are operating an Ethereum client that has not been updated to the most recent version (as listed above), your client will synchronize with the pre-fork blockchain once the upgrade takes place. You will remain on an incompatible chain adhering to the old rules, rendering you unable to send Ether or participate in the post-upgrade Ethereum network.
What does a network upgrade mean in Ethereum-land?
A network upgrade signifies a modification to the foundational Ethereum protocol, establishing new rules to enhance the system. The decentralized characteristic of blockchain systems complicates network upgrades. Upgrades in a blockchain necessitate collaboration and communication with the community, along with the developers of the various Ethereum clients to ensure a seamless transition.
What transpires during a network upgrade?
Following community consensus on which alterations ought to be included in the upgrade, protocol adjustments are recorded in the various Ethereum clients, such as Besu, Erigon, go-ethereum, and Nethermind. The protocol changes will take effect at a predetermined block number. Any nodes that have not transitioned to the new rules will be left behind on the old chain where the previous regulations remain in place.
What is the significance of “Gray Glacier”?
Although we typically use the names of cities hosting Ethereum conferences for execution layer network upgrades, upgrades that solely postpone the difficulty bomb/ice age utilize glacier names instead.
Gray Glacier was selected because it literally merges into another glacier, reminiscent of how Ethereum’s execution layer will soon merge with the Beacon Chain!
Our gratitude goes to Matt Palmer for the initial cover image and Tomo Saito for the alterations.