Ethereum after Fusaka Upgrade: The Challenges with Increased Blob Data Capacity

tx_pending_forever · 2026-02-05T15:04:44+00:00

The recent Fusaka upgrade aimed to improve Ethereum's scalability by increasing blob data capacity but revealed significant network vulnerabilities. Research from multiple initiatives highlighted issues with processing high-volume blocks, showing that the network isn't fully prepared for the increased load. Developers plan cautious optimizations before considering further capacity increases.

tx_pending_forever

2026-02-05 15:04:44

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The latest Fusaka upgrade has posed new challenges for Ethereum developers. The eightfold increase in Blob data volumes for Layer-2 solutions aims to improve scalability, but practical implementation reveals significant network vulnerabilities. Several independent research initiatives have simultaneously uncovered identical issues that arise when too many blocks with increased data loads are processed simultaneously.

Blob Capacity and Its Impact on Network Stability

The Fusaka upgrade aimed to utilize data capacity more efficiently through a massive increase in Blob counts. However, this very increase led to unexpected stability problems. According to research findings from NS3.AI, vulnerabilities are already evident: blocks with high Blob volumes are significantly more prone to failures, which in turn place a direct strain on the entire network. The data suggest that the infrastructure is not yet fully prepared for the increased load.

Multiple Research Teams Confirm Critical Issues

Independent studies by MigaLabs and PandaOps provide additional insights into the technical deficiencies. Their analysis has revealed that validators contribute to additional failures through their timing strategies during block production. Surprisingly, current metrics show that the average Blob numbers have already decreased again—an indication that the network is automatically returning to a more stable state, but susceptibility during peak load periods remains problematic.

Planned Optimizations Before Further Capacity Increases

Ethereum developers are responding to these findings with a cautious approach. Instead of immediately further increasing Blob capacity, they are considering a small interim update. This update aims to optimize the efficiency of data dissemination processes and improve the system’s robustness against peak load scenarios. Only after successful stabilization and improvement of these core mechanisms will the developers consider further increases in Blob data volumes.

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