In anticipation of the upcoming Ethereum update – Pectra, client software updates essential for node and validator operations have been released. Two key releases—Geth 1.15.2 and Prysm 5.2.0—are closely connected and introduce important changes in block processing, network synchronization, and support for an increased gas limit. At NOWNodes, we have already updated our infrastructure and are ready to explain what exactly has changed and why it matters for the entire Ethereum network.
Why Are These Updates Needed? Ethereum operates on two levels:
- Execution Layer (EL) — the execution client, such as Geth, responsible for transaction execution, smart contract processing, and block creation.
- Consensus Layer (CL) — the consensus client, such as Prysm, responsible for coordinating validator operations, monitoring block finalization, and ensuring network integrity.
For the network to function smoothly, both layers must interact seamlessly. Let’s dive into each release in more detail:
Key Changes in Geth 1.15.2
The Geth 1.15.2 update is focused on bug fixes and node optimization:
- Fixed the block construction mechanism on the mainnet, which was disrupted in previous versions.
- Enabled the QUIC protocol by default, improving network connections between nodes. The protocol operates over UDP on port 13000.
- Improved support for the increased gas limit, which is crucial for the future scalability of the network.
- Restored functionality for DNS peer discovery, which was accidentally disabled earlier.
- Fixed issues related to node configuration, including those concerning NAT and P2P connections.
What’s New in Prysm 5.2.0
The Prysm 5.2.0 update introduces several crucial improvements for validators:
- Added support for Electra and EIP-6110, which affect deposit handling and consensus mechanisms.
- Fixed node state rollback errors, reducing the risk of data corruption in case of failures.
- Enhanced the peer discovery system, speeding up the synchronization process.
- Introduced additional monitoring metrics that allow for more precise tracking of node and validator status.
- Fixed API errors, including issues related to REST requests, subscriptions, and block processing.
NOWNodes is a blockchain-as-a-service solution that lets users get access to Ethereum Nodes and blockbook Explorers via API. The service provides a high-quality infrastructure that is quick, cost-effective, and reliable. We have Service Quality Standards available for all partners.
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