Ethereum introduces “Mekong,” a new test network, ahead of the major “Pectra” upgrade planned for early 2025

• Mekong will allow developers to test changes, including several Ethereum Improvement Proposals enhancing user experience and staking.
• The “Pectra” update is split into two phases to minimize risks, starting with crucial optimizations to the Ethereum network.

The Ethereum Foundation recently introduced “Mekong,” a new test network, set to pave the way for the major “Pectra” upgrade scheduled for early 2025. Announced via the Foundation’s blog, Mekong serves as a testing ground for developers to experiment with the forthcoming changes before they are implemented on the main network. 

This enhances user experience and prepares for a two-part update process, with the first phase rolling out in 2025.

Mekong is designed as a temporary testnet incorporating crucial updates from the Pectra upgrade. It will include various Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) that focus on optimizing the platform’s functionalities. 

The initiative not only targets developers but also invites stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the operational benefits, particularly in staking processes, making them more accessible and straightforward.

Tim Beiko, a lead developer at Ethereum, highlighted that Mekong’s launch is a prelude to Devcon, Ethereum’s upcoming community conference in Bangkok. This event annually brings together the network’s extensive user and developer community, fostering collaboration and innovation within the ecosystem.

The implementation of Pectra is planned in two segments due to its complexity and the substantial nature of the changes. This phased approach helps minimize risks associated with code errors that could disrupt Ethereum’s infrastructure. 

The first part of Pectra , arriving in early 2025, will focus on introducing eight specific proposals aimed at refining Ethereum’s capabilities. These include improvements suggested by Ethereum’s co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, which are intended to enhance the wallet user experience.

The second phase of Pectra remains flexible with goals to enhance the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and integrate PeerDAS features advantageous for Layer 2 networks. By splitting the update into two parts, the development team can concentrate on critical aspects individually, ensuring a smoother transition and robust implementation of new features.

Ethereum (ETH) is currently trading at $2,882.0, with a notable daily increase of 5.78%. Over the past week, ETH has risen by 8.46%, and it’s up 18.95% for the month, showcasing strong bullish momentum. 

The trading volume in the last 24 hours stands at $36.01 billion, reflecting robust market interest. Resistance is identified around $3,000, while immediate support is near $2,700.

Technical indicators are bullish, suggesting further upside if ETH can hold above support levels. A break above $3,000 may indicate a continued upward trend, while a pullback could lead to consolidation around $2,700.