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After analyzing the scope ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7600″>pectra forka successful interoperability event and four devnets, we are now launching the first short-lived Pectra testnet: Mekong!
The Mekong test network includes all EIPs proposed for the next ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7600″>pectra fork in ethereum. These changes include UX changes across ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7702″>EIP-7702Betting changes via ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7251″>EIP-7251changes in deposit and exit mechanisms via ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-6110″>EIP-6110/ ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7002″>EIP-7002 and more. You can find a comprehensive list of implemented EIPs and specifications. ethereum.org/@ethpandaops/pectra-devnet-4″>here.
Mekong is intended to be a playground for wallet developers to experiment with UX changes and for participants to gain confidence in the upcoming changes. The testnet will be short-lived and is complete with all EIPs planned for pectra. We may see some minor spec changes or smaller EIPs, but the features included here will be incorporated into existing public testnets and eventually the ethereum mainnet.
Getting started
To start using Mekong, visit the network's website. landing page. There, you can add the network to your browser wallet, view block explorers, request funds from faucet, and connect to a JSON RPC endpoint.
There are some UX-specific EIPs in this update and we are very excited to see how wallets will use them. So experiment with the changes and give us your feedback. Some answers to frequently asked questions can be found. here.
Running a node
Please follow the guide ethereum.org/@ethpandaops/mekong”>here to run a node on the Mekong testnet. As with the ethereum mainnet, you will need to run an Execution and Consensus layer node.
strikers
There are some major changes to the betting workflow at Pectra and the Mekong testnet will be the first place to test them. There are changes to the deposit and withdrawal methods, so please check the FAQ located here for more details. Please read the Frequently asked questions for information on how to activate a validator in Mekong.
<h3 class="chakra-heading css-145upk7" id="does-this-affect-ethereum-mainnet-holesky-or-sepolia-in-any-way”>Does this affect ethereum Mainnet, Holesky or Sepolia in any way?
No. Mekong is a new testnet and does not affect other ethereum networks. However, testing on Mekong will inform the rollout of the Pectra upgrade to other ethereum networks.
As a non-stake node operator, what should I do?
Mekong is a new testnet, so you won't need to do anything if you run your node on Holesky/Sepolia or the ethereum Mainnet. However, if you want to run a node on the new network, use the instructions and version of your ethereum client listed in the link. ethereum.org/@ethpandaops/mekong”>here.
As a bettor, what should I do?
See the section “As a non-stake node operator, what should I do?” to run a node first. You will then be able to make a deposit and run a validator on the new Mekong network.
We recommend reading the Frequently asked questions about pectra. There is information on basic actions that you may want to take as a bettor.
As an application or tool developer, what should I do?
Application and tool developers should review update changes to ensure fixes are made or to understand how to use newly introduced functionality.
Wallet developers should review the update, specifically for EIP-7702, to ensure the latest features are supported.
Why “Mekong”?
The Devcon that will take place before the Pectra update will take place in Southeast Asia. We wanted to select a name that resonates with this location. The Mekong River, which runs through several Southeast Asian countries, seemed like a suitable choice.
My question was not answered, Where can I go?
We recommend reading the full FAQ. here. If your question is still not answered, please ask at one of these locations:
Cover image by Jules Nehlig
