The Altair beacon chain upgrade is set to be initiated on the Ethereum mainnet. The enhancement will commence at epoch 74240 (Oct 27, 2021, 10:56:23am UTC).
Client Versions
To remain compatible with the Altair upgrade, beacon node operators must upgrade their client version. If you’re operating a validator, you must upgrade to keep up with the mainnet beacon chain. Neglecting this will lead to downtime penalties.
The versions shown below support the mainnet Altair upgrade.
EDIT: The subsequent table has been updated to highlight the most recent Altair client releases ahead of the mainnet upgrade. These updates include security patches and optimizations, so we suggest that all users upgrade to the latest versions.
* Client releases marked with an asterisk have been modified since the initial announcement.
Upgrade for Validators
Even though this upgrade has undergone thorough testing, if you are a validator on Mainnet, we highly advise remaining online during the upgrade process in case any unexpected problems arise.
Bug Bounty Bonus
To increase awareness about the Altair upgrade, all bounties for vulnerabilities related to the Altair upgrade have been increased twofold from now until four weeks after the launch (Nov 27). Critical Altair issues in both clients and specifications can now be worth as much as $100k.
Refer to the bug bounty program for additional information.
FAQ
As an Ethereum user or Ether holder, is there anything I need to do?
This upgrade is solely for the beacon chain consensus mechanism and does not influence end-user accounts, contracts, or state secured by the proof-of-work chain.
If you operate your own beacon node, you are required to upgrade your node. Refer to the “As a non-validator beacon node operator, what do I need to do?” section below.
As a non-validator beacon node operator, what do I need to do?
Download the latest version of your beacon node client, as detailed in the table above.
As a validator, what do I need to do?
Download the most recent version of the software you utilize, as specified in the table above. Adhere to any instructions in the release and restart your node utilizing your usual restart process.
Please note, node software that supports independent validator clients will also require an upgrade and restart for this component. Ensure to review the warnings and guidelines included in the official releases.
What occurs if I am a validator or node operator and do not participate in the upgrade?
If you are running a beacon node client that has not been updated to the latest version (listed above), your client will synchronize with the pre-fork beacon chain once the upgrade takes place. You will be stuck on an incompatible chain adhering to the previous rules.
If you operate a validator, it will be incapable of joining the upgraded consensus and will continue to function on the post-upgrade beacon chain network. This will lead to penalties in relation to the enhanced Mainnet chain.
What happens during a beacon chain network upgrade?
Once the Ethereum community reaches an agreement regarding the changes to be incorporated into the upgrade, modifications to the protocol are integrated into the various clients. The beacon chain protocol updates are triggered at a designated epoch number. Nodes that do not upgrade to the new ruleset will be disconnected from the old chain where the former regulations may persist.
Why “Altair”?
After community discussions and emoji voting, client teams opted to name each upgrade after stars, with upgrade names arranged in alphabetical order.
Altair begins with an “A,” is the twelfth brightest star in the night sky, rotates at a swift equatorial speed of 286 km/s, and is the site of the Forbidden Planet. A fascinating star, if you ask us.
Thank you!
A massive shoutout to all the researchers, engineers, and community members who have dedicated an extraordinary amount of effort towards this initial beacon chain network upgrade.
Now, onward to the Merge 🚀
Disclaimer
This is a dynamic and developing highly technical realm. If you decide to implement the suggestions within this post and persist in participation, you should ensure you comprehend how it affects you. It is crucial to recognize that there are associated risks including but not limited to issues such as unexpected bugs. By choosing to follow these recommendations, you alone bear the risks of the outcomes. This post and its recommendations do not constitute a sale of any kind, nor do they provide any assurances of any kind, including but not limited to anything concerning the Ethereum network, or the Ethereum clients mentioned herein.
