Ethereum cryptocurrency test network switches to green blockchain

Ethereum developers announced the successful transition of the Ropsten test network to the Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm.

The Ropsten network just merged!

One of the last testnets until we merge on the #Ethereum mainnet🐼https://t.co/3lvlUfcAT4 pic.twitter.com/knd1IBlD8A

— Bitfly (@etherchain_org) June 8, 2022

Now, validators are responsible for confirming transactions instead of miners. As part of the transition, the test network merged the Ropsten chain based on Proof-of-Work (PoW) and the Beacon Chain, which operates on Proof-of-Stake (PoS).

According to Ethereum’s chief developer Tim Bako, after the merger, transactions are successfully confirmed on the blockchain.

The testing involves software clients of the Ethereum network — Lighthouse, Lodestar, Prysm, Teku, Besu, Erigon, Go-Ethereum, and Nethermind. Later, a similar transition will be made for the main network of the second cryptocurrency. However, before that, the developers want to switch two more test networks to PoS.

«The network has been operating for several hours, but this does not mean that it is a complete success after the merger. There are many long-term issues such as MEV and staking centralization, protection against DDoS attacks, and other issues that can potentially cause damage even 3 weeks after the transition to the new consensus,» said Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.

The long-awaited transition of Ethereum to Proof-of-Stake could be a turning point for the cryptocurrency industry, as it will significantly reduce the energy consumption of the second largest blockchain.