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Core Fusion Upgrade: Guidelines for Validators & Full Nodes

4 min read
Core Fusion Upgrade: Guidelines for Validators & Full Nodes

The Core mainnet is expected to have a scheduled hardfork upgrade, Fusion Upgrade, on 19th Nov. 2024 around 07:00 AM (UTC). This upgrade unlocks better Bitcoin staking options and enhanced scalability and performance for the Core blockchain. The validators and full node operators on the Core mainnet must switch their software version to v1.0.12 before 18th Nov. 2024.

Fusion Upgrade Timeline

  • Mainnet: 19th Nov. 2024 around 07:00 AM UTC

Background

What is a Hardfork upgrade?

A hardfork is a significant upgrade that introduces breaking changes that are incompatible with previous network versions. These changes are essential for enhancing the network’s functionality and security. If existing validators or full-node operators do not upgrade their nodes on time, they will still receive blocks; however, they will be unable to synchronize with the rest of the network. This disconnection can lead to the validator’s unavailability and interrupted operations on the upgraded fork. To ensure uninterrupted participation and protect against penalties, all validators and full node operators must promptly switch to the release v1.0.12.

What happens during a network upgrade?

New rules and logic changes will occur for this upgrade on November 19th, 2024, around 07:00 AM UTC. After the upgrade, the blockchain can handle a series of new rules and logic, paving the way for enhanced performance and scalability features to make Core's ecosystem more efficient for its users.

Key Upcoming Changes in the Fusion Upgrade

What will change with the blockchain feature?

The Fusion upgrade introduces breaking changes for enhanced scalability and performance, requiring prompt actions from validators and dApps running on Core to ensure uninterrupted operations. Following are the changes introduced in the Fusion upgrade:

New Features

  • BTC/CORE Dual Staking: Dual staking is an additional feature for BTC holders staking their BTC through non-custodial BTC staking. It allows them to earn higher rewards by simultaneously staking BTC and CORE. According to pre-defined thresholds, the more CORE staked in proportion to the staked BTC, the greater the rewards unlocked for BTC staking yields.
  • LstBTC: An ERC-20 liquid staking token pegged 1:1 with Bitcoin on the Core network, facilitating more accessible liquidity for staked assets.
  • Included Hardforks: The Fusion upgrade encompasses six hardforks for better scalability, performance, and user experience. -Berlin and London (from Ethereum): They are expected to be activated at block height 19537200. As per the current block generation speed, this is forecasted to occur around 18 November 2024 at 07:00 AM (UTC). -Hertz (from BNB Smart Chain): expected to be activated at block height 19537200. As per the current block generation speed, this is forecasted to occur around 18 November 2024 at 07:00 AM (UTC). -Shanghai (from Ethereum): expected to be activated on 19 November 2024, around 07:00 AM (UTC). -Kepler (from BNB Smart Chain): expected to be activated on 19 November 2024, around 07:00 AM (UTC). -Demeter (from Core): expected to be activated on November 19, 2024, around 7:00 AM (UTC).
  • Version Merging: This upgrade includes merged improvements from BNB Smart Chain up to version v1.3.9.

Impacts and Actions Required

For Validators and Full Node Operators

Fusion Upgrade is a mandatory hardfork upgrade. Validator and Full Node operators must update their nodes to version 1.0.12 before 18 November 2024. The validator and full node operators must follow the following instructions to ensure a smooth upgrade to the latest release.

  • Please use the new config.toml provided in this version; the older ones are not compatible. You can also check the latest config.toml and make necessary changes to your live config.toml.
  • If you run a validator node, please set --miner.etherbase to your consensus address.
  • If your validator/full-node runs with the flag -txlookuplimit set, please change it to -history.transactions.
  • The personal module is disabled by default; you need --rpc.enabledeprecatedpersonal to enable it.

For Developers and Users

The Fusion Upgrade introduces significant breaking changes affecting developers and users interacting with Core's staking and delegation smart contracts. This upgrade replaces old contracts with new ones and introduces revised workflows for staking and delegating CORE, Bitcoin, hash power, and updated processes for claiming rewards. To understand these changes, refer to the detailed guidelines provided here.

What happens if a validator/full node fails to upgrade in time?

If you fail to upgrade your software on time, your node will not sync with the upgraded Core blockchain peer/validator nodes, and you will not be able to connect or send transactions. It is also essential to upgrade on time to continue smooth, uninterrupted operations.

Review the full changelog to understand any breaking changes or new features affecting your dApps, smart contracts, or integrations.

Hardfork Resources

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