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Introducing Aleph Zero Testnet 14.0 “Uqbar” – Bringing Even More Stability and Decentralization
Dec 30, 2024
AI Summary
Aleph Zero Testnet 14.0, codenamed “Uqbar,” has just gone live! This release brings Aleph Zero Testnet 14.0, codenamed “Uqbar,” has just gone live! This release brings crucial updates that enhance synchronization, boost network performance, and set up the network for complete decentralization in early 2025.
Here’s what’s new in Testnet 14.0 and why it matters.
What’s New in Testnet 14.0 Uqbar
1. Upgraded Substrate Dependencies
We have upgraded the Substrate dependencies (including all pallets) from polkadot-v1.2.0 to polkadot-v1.6.0. This ensures Aleph Zero remains up-to-date with the latest improvements in the Substrate framework.
2. New Block Sync Protocol
The new block sync protocol resolves a fundamental difference between Aleph Zero’s AlephBFT consensus model and Substrate’s default GRANDPA finalization. Whereas GRANDPA-based chains (such as Polkadot) always favor the longest chain, Aleph Zero’s consensus is capable of finalizing blocks on different branches.
This upgrade addresses potential challenges in the old sync system and minimizes the risk of unexpected network interruptions. While such issues never occurred on the Mainnet, the new block sync protocol eliminates these concerns, enhancing the robustness and efficiency of node synchronization on the layer 1 testnet.
3. Removal of Nominator Limit
Previously, every validator could support a maximum of 1024 nominators. This restriction is now removed in Testnet 14.0 Uqbar, providing more flexibility and scalability to staking operations.
The above upgrades make the network function smoother and set the stage for higher performance, stability, and security once full decentralization occurs.
Road to Full Decentralization: Testnet 15.0
Testnet 14.0 is more than just an upgrade; it lays the foundation for the leap toward full decentralization with Aleph Node 15.0. Coming in Q1 2025, the next release will let us remove the trusted committee for block finalization, transitioning the network to a fully permissionless validating model.
Validator Upgrade Deadline: January 7th, 2025
If you’re running an Aleph Zero node, it’s important to upgrade to Aleph Node 14.0 by January 7th, 2025, 11:00 AM UTC. Keep your node updated and contribute to the stability of the network.
Useful Resources
• Aleph Zero v14.0 Release Notes
• Running an Aleph Zero Testnet Node
Thank You to Our Community
All these improvements will be supported step by step with the involvement of validators, ambassadors, and the whole Aleph Zero community. Your continued participation means we get closer to a decentralized high-performance future with every passing moment of Aleph Zero.
Expect more updates as we advance toward Testnet and Mainnet 15.0 and upcoming milestones!
