BNB Smart Chain has successfully implemented the Maxwell upgrade, significantly reducing the average block time to 0.8 seconds. This upgrade marks an important step in enhancing the speed and efficiency of the network.
Impact of the Maxwell Upgrade on Performance
The Maxwell upgrade was successfully launched on June 30 at 2:30 am UTC. It replaces the previous block time of 1.5 seconds, representing a significant improvement for the network. The BNB Chain team emphasized that this is not just another upgrade but a crucial step forward in speeding up block processing and improving validator coordination, which will also contribute to smoother performance for decentralized applications (DApps).
Key Proposals for Improving Messaging and Validator Sync
The Maxwell upgrade incorporates three key proposals — BEP-524, BEP-563, and BEP-564. BEP-563 enhances peer-to-peer messaging between validators, enabling faster block proposal communication and minimizing the risk of missed votes or synchronization delays. BEP-564 introduces new message types to the protocol, allowing validators to request and receive multiple blocks in a single call, significantly improving synchronization speeds. BEP-524 directly reduces block times, building on the previous Lorentz upgrade in April.
Developers and Validators Prepare for New Conditions
Ahead of the upgrade, the BNB Chain team urged developers to test their DApps under the new, faster block timing and adjust any time-based logic within their applications. Validators have been advised to ensure their systems can handle faster message throughput and quicker consensus cycles.
The Maxwell upgrade on BNB Smart Chain represents a significant advancement in the performance of the network, promising benefits for both developers and users of decentralized applications.
