Zcash has launched a blockchain upgrade on its testnet, reducing block time from 75 to 25 seconds in preparation for a mainnet launch in November. The network upgrade, called NU7, activated at block 4,465,026 and is now running on the public testnet. Both major node clients, Zakura and Zebra, support the test. The change aims to improve transaction speeds and will be tested before activation on mainnet. Transaction fees will be reallocated, with 40% going to miners and 60% burned for future mining rewards. Developers will review the test results and decide on mainnet activation before October 20.
Zcash has activated an upgrade on its public testnet that reduces the expected wait between batches of transactions from 75 seconds to 25, beginning a public test ahead of the planned November launch.
The upgrade, called NU7, activated at block 4,465,026. Zakura, software that follows Zcash and verifies its transactions, now lists the new rules as active on the public testnet. Its previous, independent testnet has been deactivated.
Each block records a batch of payments. Producing them more frequently could shorten the wait for a merchant to accept a payment or an exchange to credit a deposit. A service that waits for three confirmations would face a target wait of about 75 seconds instead of 225, if it kept its confirmation requirement unchanged. Actual block times vary.
The testnet uses coins with no monetary value, giving developers and infrastructure operators a place to verify changes before they affect real ZEC.
Both major node programs now support the test. Zakura released its implementation on October 1, while the Zcash Foundation published a test version of Zebra the following day. Operators need compatible software to follow the updated testnet.
Read more: Zcash targets November upgrade to make private payments up to three times faster
NU7 also changes where transaction fees go. Miners receive 40%, while the remaining 60% is removed from circulation and recorded in a reserve intended to fund future mining rewards. Those rewards pay miners to keep verifying transactions as the amount of newly issued ZEC declines.
Faster blocks would not triple the creation of new coins. The scheduled block reward is reduced to one-third, preserving the issuance schedule.
The upgrade also disables transactions used by Sprout, Zcash’s oldest private payment system. Holders with funds there will need to transfer them before mainnet activation to retain the ability to spend them through the existing system.
Developers plan to review the test results and decide on mainnet activation on October 20. November 5 remains the target, with no mainnet activation block set yet.
