- The blobs are coming: Dencun will go live on Goerli at 06:32 UTC on January 17, 2024.
- Dencun will be the last Goerli upgrade before the main teams stop supporting it. More information about it in a previous article.
- Assuming the Goerli upgrade goes well, the Sepolia and Holesky testnets will activate Dencun over the next few weeks.
- To receive an email alert regarding network upgrade announcements, subscribe here.
The Dencun network upgrade is expected to be activated on the Goerli test network in January 17, 2024 at 06:32 UTCThe upgrade includes several changes, including the introduction of ephemeral data blobs with EIP-4844, also known as “protodanksharding,” which will help reduce L2 transaction fees.
Dencun follows last year Shapella UpgradeIt will first be deployed on the Goerli testnet. Then, if no major issues are detected, on Sepolia and Holesky. Once Dencun is working properly on all three testnets, the mainnet activation will be scheduled.
Dencun will be the last upgrade of Goerli. After its activation on the mainnet, the client test teams and EF will stop supporting the Goerli testnet. For more details, see here previous announcement.
Upgrade Specifications
The Dencun upgrade combines changes to Ethereum’s consensus and execution layers. The full list of protocol changes can be found in EIP-7569For reference, they are:
Deneb
The full Python specification regarding changes affecting Ethereum’s consensus layer can be found in the Deneb case of the ethereum/consensus-specs deposit.
Cancun
The EIPs linked above contain the full specifications of changes affecting Ethereum’s execution layer.
Additionally, a Python specification for these is being implemented in the ethereum/runtime specifications deposit.
Finally, Deneb requires changes to the engine API, which is used for communication between nodes in the consensus layer and the execution layer. These are specified in the cancun.md deposit of the ethereum/execution-apis deposit.
Client versions
The following client releases support Dencun on Goerli. Further releases will enable support on other testnets and the mainnet. Once these are released, another announcement will be made here.
When choosing which client to run, validators should be particularly mindful of the risks of running a majority client on the execution layer (EL) or the consensus layer (CL). An explanation of these risks and their consequences can be found here. An estimate of the current distribution of EL and CL clients and guides for switching from one client to another are available. here.
Versions of the Goerli consensus layer
Note:when running a validator, the consensus layer beacon node and the validator client must be updated.
Goerli Execution Layer Versions
Note:while Reth supports Dencun, the client is still waiting for a full audit and is not recommended for production use. See the Reth README for more context.
Dencun Bug Hunting Bonus
All Dencun-related bug bounties for affected vulnerabilities will receive a 2x multiplier between now and two weeks before the scheduled mainnet upgrade date. Critical bugs are now worth up to $500,000! See the bug hunting program for more details.
FAQ
As an Ethereum user or holder, is there anything I should do?
In short, no.
If you’re using an exchange, digital wallet, or hardware wallet, you don’t need to do anything unless your exchange or wallet provider asks you to take additional steps.
If you are running your own Ethereum node, see the next question.
As non-staking Goerli Node operator, what should I do?
To be compatible with the Goerli upgrade, update your node to the version of your Ethereum client listed in the table above.
Inasmuch as Goerli staker, what should I do?
To be compatible with the Goerli upgrade, update your node to the version of your Ethereum client listed in the table above. Make sure your beacon node and validator client are updated!
As a non-Goerli node operator or staker, what should I do?
Nothing yet. Further announcements will be made for Dencun activation on Sepolia, Holesky and the mainnet. You can sign up to receive an email alert about them here.
Stakers who wish to run the upgrade process multiple times before mainnet are encouraged to use ephemeral.devwho will soon support Dencun.
What if I am a staker or Goerli node operator and am not participating in the upgrade?
If you are using an Ethereum client that is not updated to the latest version (listed above), your client will sync to the pre-fork blockchain once the upgrade is complete.
You will be stuck on an incompatible chain under the old rules and will not be able to send Ether or operate on the post-Dencun Ethereum network.
As an application or tool developer, what should I do?
Check out the EIPs included in Dencun to determine if and how they affect your project — many exciting new features are introduced in the execution and consensus layers! The only EIPs with backwards compatibility implications are EIP-6780, EIP-7044 And EIP-7514.
Where can I track the ongoing upgrade?
Goerli upgrade to be streamed live here.
Why “Dencun”?
Consensus layer upgrades use star names, and execution layer upgrades follow Devcon city names. “Dencun” is a combination of Deneb, a first-magnitude star in the constellation Cygnus, and Cancun, the location of Devcon 3.
Original cover image by Darren Lawrencewith modifications by Tomo Saito.
