The Ethereum [ETH] network has been diligently preparing for its transition from Proof-of-Work [PoW] to Proof-of-Stake [PoS]. This imminent shift would switch up the entire network and address several issues that it currently faces. More recently, core developers of the network affirmed that ‘The Merge’ is expected to take place around 8 June 2022. Now, as the community inches closer to this network upgrade, Ethereum revealed that it was readying for the first dress rehearsal with Ropsten.
In a recent Twitter thread, Tim Beiko, a core Ethereum developer announced that a new beacon chain for the Ropsten testnet had made its debut. This testnet is considered to be pertinent as it mirrors several aspects of the mainnet.
How would Ropsten aid ‘The Merge’?
Over the last couple of years, Ethereum witnessed an array of network upgrades. Launched in 2016, Ropsten is one of the longest-running PoW testnets. Now, easing the network’s shift to PoS, Ropsten would be required to activate the Bellatrix upgrade through its beacon chain on 2 June 2022.
Following that, the Terminal Total Difficulty [TTD], a PoW total difficulty figure, would be determined to initiate the shift. This will be decided on the 2nd or 3rd of June, mostly to prevent miners from disrupting the transfer.
Furthermore, Ropsten is said to provide developers the first look at the mainnet Merge. This is only feasible if all node runners prepare in advance. Further elaborating on the role of node runners, Beiko further said,
“If you run a node, are a validator, or an infra/tooling provider, this is the time to familiarize yourself with the transition and (better late than never!) what a post-merge node is like”
Is ETH inching closer to $2k?
As the Ethereum network prepares for its highly anticipated network upgrade, the price of its native asset ETH has been steering towards recovery. The altcoin, at press time, was trading for $1,971.79 with a 3.62 percent surge over the last 24-hours.
Additionally, the Ethereum network fee had dipped to a ten-month low.
Several have been speculating that this is mostly due to inactivity following the bearish market.