Key Points
Ethereum Launches Mekong Testnet
Ethereum has started the Mekong testnet.
This is a step towards the Pectra fork.
The Mekong testnet is a temporary environment.
It’s designed to test key updates before the mainnet upgrade.
Testing Ethereum Improvement Proposals
The testnet will incorporate a variety of Ethereum Improvement Proposals.
These include adjustments to user experience, staking modifications, and changes to deposit and exit mechanisms.
This was explained by the Ethereum Foundation in a blog post on November 7.
The testnet will run for a limited period.
It is feature-complete with all major updates planned for inclusion in Pectra.
However, the exact duration of the testnet is not known.
While minor adjustments may still happen, the main changes will make their way to Ethereum’s public testnets and, eventually, the mainnet, according to the foundation.
Those interested in participating in the testnet can access the Mekong network via its landing page.
Here, they can connect their wallets, explore block data, and request test funds.
Instructions for running a node on the testnet are also available.
Participants are required to operate both an Execution and Consensus layer node, as they would on Ethereum’s mainnet.
The foundation also stated that the Mekong testnet will not impact other Ethereum networks, like Holesky or Sepolia.
However, the insights gained from testing will inform the broader implementation of Pectra.
It is anticipated that the upgrade will go live in Q1 2025.
