Ethereum has successfully activated the highly anticipated Fusaka update on its network, marking the 17th major update for the leading Blockchain network. This update follows the Pectra update from seven months ago and formalizes Ethereum’s transition to a biannual hard fork schedule.
Revolutionizing Data Access with PeerDAS
The most significant innovation of the Fusaka update is the introduction of PeerDAS (Peer Data Availability Sampling) technology, which radically transforms Ethereum’s data accessibility. With the system labeled as EIP-7594, validators can sample data blocks instead of downloading the entire data, thereby reducing the network’s data load. This allows Layer-2 solutions to achieve higher blob volumes and reduces transaction fees.
Alongside PeerDAS, the Ethereum Foundation introduces “Blob Parameter Only” updates, increasing the per-block blob target to 14 and the maximum value to 21. By early January 2026, the capacity is expected to increase eightfold. A minimum value is added to the blob base fee, preventing fees from dropping to near zero during periods of low demand, creating a more predictable cost structure for Layer-2 networks. According to Calvin Leyon, Kraken’s Onchain manager, Fusaka is a milestone for developers, enhancing speed without compromising user experience.
Strengthening Ethereum’s Backbone
Fusaka goes beyond data management, introducing comprehensive innovations that enhance network security and performance. By optimizing the gas limit ceiling, energy consumption per transaction is balanced, and additional protection against DoS attacks is provided. Local support for the secp256r1 elliptic curve has been added, improving compatibility with device-based signatures and passkey technologies.
Another notable feature of the update is EIP-7939, the “Count Leading Zeros Opcode.” This feature boosts the efficiency of zero-knowledge proof technologies and better equips Ethereum to withstand potential future quantum threats. According to Consensys, although Fusaka does not introduce dramatic user interface changes, it represents the most significant technical leap in Ethereum’s scalability since The Merge.
Ethereum researchers have started working on the next major update dubbed “Glamsterdam,” expected to be implemented in 2026. This update will be the second step in the accelerated development period initiated by Fusaka.