Infrastructure
Zcash Activates NU7 Network Upgrade on Testnet, Enhancing Speed and Sustainability
Zcash has switched on its NU7 network upgrade on the public testnet at block height 4,465,026, marking a significant milestone for the privacy coin. This upgrade represents the most substantial protocol overhaul in years, focusing on enhancing transaction speed and sustainability.
The NU7 upgrade aims to reduce block times from 75 seconds to just 25 seconds, implement a fee-recycling system, and retire one of Zcash’s oldest shielded transaction formats. The upgrade is delivered through Zebra 7.0.0-rc.0, which was released on October 2, 2026, with testnet activation initially expected around October 6, 2026.
Key Features of the NU7 Upgrade
- Speed Enhancement: ZIP 218 modifies block spacing, significantly decreasing the target block time.
- Network Sustainability Mechanism (NSM): This mechanism allocates 60% of transaction fees to support the network's longevity, governed by proposals ZIP 235 and ZIP 237.
- Retirement of Old Formats: The upgrade will eliminate the Sprout shielded pool, disabling v4 transactions, which necessitates updates for any software relying on these formats.
As the testnet progresses, a decision regarding mainnet activation is scheduled for October 20, 2026, with a target activation date set for November 5, 2026. Infrastructure providers are already preparing for these updates, with QuickNode expected to complete necessary testnet updates by October 5.
This upgrade is a collaborative effort involving several organizations, including the Zcash Foundation, Project Tachyon, Valar Group, ZODL, and Shielded Labs, all of whom reached a unanimous agreement on the upgrade's scope after consulting with coinholders.
For ZEC traders and users, the upcoming dates are crucial. Stakeholders such as exchanges, wallet providers, and node operators must ensure their systems are ready in the brief window between the decision date and the target activation date.
FAQ
What is the NU7 network upgrade for Zcash?
The NU7 network upgrade is a significant protocol overhaul for Zcash that enhances transaction speed and sustainability. It aims to reduce block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds and implement a fee-recycling system.
When was the NU7 upgrade activated on the testnet?
The NU7 upgrade was activated on the public testnet at block height 4,465,026, with the activation occurring on October 2, 2026.
What are the key features of the NU7 upgrade?
Key features include a speed enhancement that modifies block spacing, a Network Sustainability Mechanism (NSM) that allocates 60% of transaction fees to support the network, and the retirement of the Sprout shielded pool.
What is the timeline for the mainnet activation of the NU7 upgrade?
The decision regarding mainnet activation is scheduled for October 20, 2026, with a target activation date set for November 5, 2026.
Who collaborated on the NU7 upgrade?
The upgrade was a collaborative effort involving several organizations, including the Zcash Foundation, Project Tachyon, Valar Group, ZODL, and Shielded Labs, who reached a unanimous agreement on the upgrade's scope after consulting with coinholders.