After implementing the merge testnet Kiln, Ethereum is seemingly getting closer to transitioning to a full proof-of-stake (PoS) network. According to developers Kiln’s execution layer was initially launched leveraging proof-of-work (PoW) and since March 15, Kiln is running entirely under a proof-of-stake consensus algorithm.
Ethereum’s melting furnace testnet goes live
Ethereum developers are making progress towards fully transitioning the network from PoW to PoS, according to a recently published blog post authored by the Ethereum Foundation. The blog post, titled “Announcing the Kiln Merge Testnet,” explains that the developers have rolled out a significant testing ground for what is being called “The Merge.” The furnace started after software engineers finished testing the Kintsugi fusion test network. The Kintsugi testnet, the blog further notes, will be “deprecated” in the near future.
While sharing the Ethereum Foundation’s blog post announcement, Ethereum developer Tim Beiko tweeted about the next testnet iteration. “Kiln, the next iteration of Ethereum merge testnets, is now live,” Beiko tweeted. “Highly recommended that node operators, application developers, stakers, tooling/infra providers test their setups on the network.”
The Ethereum Foundation blog post explains that the fusion testnet furnace “should be the last fusion testnet created before the existing public testnets are upgraded.” Which means it’s likely that Ethereum’s transition to full PoS would follow the upgraded existing public testnets if all goes well. The blog post points out that the current oven network operates under a full PoS system.
“Like the Ethereum mainnet, Kiln’s execution layer was launched under proof-of-work in parallel to a Beacon Chain running proof-of-stake,” the Ethereum Foundation details. “The Merge happened on Kiln on March 15, 2022. The network is now running entirely under proof-of-stake.”
Developers Recommend Ethereum Infrastructure Providers Start Testing Kiln Applications and Tools
As Tim Beiko said in his tweet, developers want Ethereum users to start using Kiln apps and tools, especially wallet providers, decentralized apps (dapps), tool developers , node operators, infrastructure providers, and Ethereum staking operators. The blog post explains that the best way to start using Kiln is through the network’s landing page.
“[From] there, you can add the network to your browser wallet, view block explorers, request funds from the faucet, and connect to a JSON RPC endpoint,” the blog post notes. Those looking to become a validator can leverage the network’s staking launchpad to get started as well. The blog post concludes by reminding the public that a scheduled date for Ethereum’s mainnet proof-of-stake transition has not been set. “Any source claiming otherwise is likely to be a scam,” the blog post adds.
