The Ethereum blockchain is set to be upgraded in the coming months. Block 15,050,000 is the target activation block, which is estimated to be Wednesday, June 29, 2022. However, due to the variable block times, the exact date may vary. Nodes should be upgraded prior to Monday, June 27, 2022 to account for this.
What Is the Gray Glacier?
This update, known as Gray Glacier, delays the difficulty bomb by approximately 100 days, or 700,000 blocks. This is similar to the Byzantium, Constantinople, Muir Glacier, London, and Arrow Glacier updates. No other changes are included in the Gray Glacier update.
The proof of stake has been implemented on Ropsten, but the difficulty bomb does not affect the Ethereum mainnet. As such, the Gray Glacier will not be deployed on any testnet.
Client versions
To be compatible with the Gray Glacier upgrade, node operators will need to upgrade to the latest version of their Ethereum client as listed in the table.
Upgrade Specification EIP
The upgrade specification is available in the Execution Specifications repository in the file grey-glacier.md. The only EIP included with this update is EIP-5133: Difficulty Bomb Delayed Until Mid-Sept 2022.
As An Ethereum User or Ethereum Holder, is there anything you need?
If you use an exchange, web or mobile wallet service or hardware wallet, there is no need to do anything unless your wallet or exchange tells you otherwise.
As What should I do if I’m a node operator or miner?
Node operators and miners will need to download the latest version of their Ethereum client as indicated in the table.
What What happens if I’m a node operator or miner and don’t take part in the upgrade?
If you are using an un-updated Ethereum client, once the upgrade occurs, you will be unable to send Ether or trade on the Ethereum network post-update.
What A network upgrade is in Ethereum-land?
Network upgrades are modifications to the underlying Ethereum protocol that create new rules that improve the system. Upgrades to blockchain systems are difficult to achieve due to their decentralized nature. Ethereum network upgrades are only possible with cooperation from the community, developers, and clients.
What happens during a network update?
Once the community has decided what changes should be made, protocol changes are written to various clients including Besu, Erigon, Go-Ethereum, and Nethermind. These changes are made on a specific block number. Those nodes that have not been updated to the latest rule set will remain on the existing chain, where the old rules still apply.
Why “Glacier Grey”?
