The Ethereum BPO fork has officially gone live following the Fusaka rollout, marking the first time Ethereum has adjusted its blob parameters without a full hard fork. The change quietly strengthens the network, giving it more data capacity while supporting the growing Layer-2 ecosystem.
The update comes after last week’s Fusaka upgrade and changes how much data each block can hold. Developers describe it as a structural upgrade that increases network capacity without affecting how the base layer looks or works for everyday users.
What does the Ethereum BPO fork actually mean?
The Ethereum BPO fork is a Blob Parameter Only upgrade that changes blob limits without needing a full hard fork. Blobs are data containers created for rollups after the Dencun upgrade.
This system allows Ethereum to increase data limits in a flexible way, letting the network scale gradually as demand grows. With the fork now active, key data-handling parameters can be adjusted without rewriting core protocol rules, which lowers risk and makes future upgrades faster and easier.
How much did blob capacity increase after the upgrade?
Etherscan confirmed that blob capacity has jumped sharply following the activation of the upgrade, marking a significant step in Ethereum’s data handling. The blob count per block has increased by 67%, with the new target set at 10 blobs per block and the maximum raised to 15 blobs.
This adjustment provides the network with considerably more space to manage and process data efficiently. The higher capacity allows Layer-2 rollups to publish more data on Ethereum at the same time, reducing congestion during periods of heavy usage.
For scaling purposes, this change is regarded as one of the most practical and impactful improvements introduced by the Ethereum BPO fork so far, supporting the network’s ability to handle future growth effectively.
Did the Fusaka upgrade cause any network disruptions?
The Fusaka upgrade went live smoothly, but there was a brief technical hiccup during the transition. Around 25% of validators experienced a temporary drop in participation at the time of activation. All of the affected nodes were using the Prysm client.
Developers acted quickly to fix the issue, and within a few hours, validator activity had returned to nearly full levels. A minor compatibility issue between Nethermind and Nimbus is still under review, but developers confirmed that it only affected a very small number of users.
Despite these minor problems, the Ethereum chain remained stable throughout the process that enabled the Ethereum BPO fork.
What improvements does Fusaka bring beyond blobs?
Fusaka was built to deliver much more than just support for the Ethereum BPO fork. The upgrade expands overall data capacity, makes tasks easier for validators, and improves support for Layer-2 networks.
It also introduces PeerDAS, a system that lets validators check small samples of rollup data instead of downloading full blobs. This approach cuts down bandwidth usage across the network and makes data handling more efficient.
James Smith from the Ethereum Foundation explained the goal in simple terms, saying that Fusaka is the upgrade that makes Ethereum feel bigger without looking different. He added that it strengthens bandwidth, improves security protections, and enhances wallet support while keeping the base layer lightweight and decentralized.
What comes next after the Ethereum BPO fork activation?
Developers are already moving ahead with the next stage of automation. With Fusaka now active, the first automated BPO hard fork is expected to follow shortly.
This system will allow Ethereum to adjust blob settings automatically based on real demand, instead of depending on repeated manual upgrades. The goal is to make scaling more responsive and efficient over time.
This next phase builds directly on the Ethereum BPO fork and is meant to make future scaling smoother and more flexible. Core developers see it as a practical long-term solution for managing data availability as network activity continues to grow.
How is the Glamsterdam upgrade plan taking shape?
At recent developer meetings, discussions also shifted toward Ethereum’s next major hard fork, known as Glamsterdam. More than 40 Ethereum Improvement Proposals were first put forward for review.
After detailed debate, 14 proposals were rejected. Developers are now leaning strongly toward including five EIPs, while another five are still being actively evaluated. This shorter list shows a clear change in upgrade strategy.
By limiting the number of features in each fork, developers can reduce technical risk and improve the quality of testing. This more focused approach is also shaped by the smooth rollout of the Ethereum BPO fork.
What does all this mean for everyday Ethereum users?
For most users, nothing appears to have changed in how wallets or decentralized applications work today. Everything continues to run as usual on the surface.
Behind the scenes, however, the network is now stronger and better prepared for future growth. Rollups now have more space to post data. Validators benefit from lower bandwidth pressure. Developers also gain a clearer path toward more automated network upgrades.
Analysts describe this as the kind of quiet infrastructure work that supports long-term adoption. One Layer-2 researcher said Ethereum is clearly moving toward upgrades that users barely notice, but that markets and developers rely on deeply.
Conclusion
The activation of the Ethereum BPO fork reflects a clear shift in how Ethereum plans to grow and upgrade over time. By lifting blob limits by 67%, keeping the network stable during the Fusaka rollout, and paving the way for more automated upgrades, Ethereum is moving toward a model that is both more flexible and more scalable.
Developers are now pushing ahead with automated adjustments and the carefully planned Glamsterdam upgrade with added confidence. For everyday users, these changes may not be noticeable right away.
But for Ethereum’s long-term performance, this focused and precise update could become a key moment in how the network continues to grow without disrupting its core foundation.
Glossary
BPO Fork: An Ethereum upgrade that changes blob limits without a full hard fork.
Blobs: Data containers used by rollups to store information on Ethereum.
Rollups: Layer-2 systems that handle transactions off-chain and post data to Ethereum.
Blob Capacity: How many blobs each Ethereum block can hold.
Prysm/Nethermind/Nimbus: Software clients that validators use to run Ethereum.
Fusaka Upgrade: Ethereum update that automates blob settings and improves data handling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethereum BPO Fork
Why was the BPO fork activated after Fusaka?
The BPO fork was activated after Fusaka because Fusaka introduced the features needed to change blob settings automatically.
What does the BPO fork change on Ethereum?
The BPO fork increases the amount of blob data each block can carry so rollups have more space to post their data.
How much did blob capacity increase?
Blob capacity increased by about 67%, with the target now set to 10 blobs per block and the maximum raised to 15 blobs.
Did the Ethereum network stay stable during the upgrades?
Yes, the Ethereum network stayed stable during the upgrades, and users did not face any major problems.
What is the main goal of the BPO fork system?
The main goal of the BPO fork system is to change blob limits automatically as network demand grows.