The much-anticipated “van Rossem” V11 hard fork upgrade on the Cardano blockchain has taken a significant step forward, drawing closer to its deployment on the mainnet. Recent progress shows that the upgrade has been fully implemented on both the preview and pre-production test networks, while readiness among mainnet stake pool operators and exchanges has continued to increase. The process will culminate in an on-chain governance vote, the result of which is keenly awaited by the Cardano community.
Testnet upgrades pave the way for mainnet
The successful completion of the V11 protocol transition on preview and preprod testnets has offered developers and network operators a live environment to test the update before mainnet deployment. Test networks like these are crucial for identifying and resolving technical issues prior to a full-scale launch. This milestone marks a major achievement in the broader preparations for Cardano’s next upgrade.
As a proof-of-stake blockchain, Cardano relies on stake pool operators for block production. Ensuring a seamless upgrade depends not only on software readiness, but also on effective coordination among operators, exchanges, developers, and governance participants.
According to the latest update from Cardanians, preparations for the Cardano “van Rossem” V11 hard fork on the mainnet continue to make strides. Test networks have completed their transitions, mainnet operators are initiating upgrades, and governance activity is underway on-chain.
Mainnet operator support approaches target
The rate at which mainnet stake pool operators are adopting the new version has accelerated. Over the last 100 blocks, 87% were produced on V11, while the 24-hour average stands at 83.65%. This represents a substantial increase from the 30-day average of 67.99%, highlighting growing support among network participants.
This data indicates that an increasing number of mainnet operators are upgrading to the new protocol version. In Cardano, operator support is a closely monitored indicator before a hard fork event. Network-wide alignment reduces the risk of inconsistencies and is considered crucial for stable block production.
Exchanges ramp up technical preparations
Exchanges are also making headway in their preparations for the upcoming hard fork. Recent updates show that 33 exchanges have either completed or initiated the necessary upgrades, while 25 have yet to start the process. This underscores the need for continued efforts to ensure trading infrastructure is ready ahead of the mainnet transition.
Technical coordination among exchanges is vital, particularly to prevent disruptions to deposits, withdrawals, and wallet services during the protocol changes. Completed updates at trading platforms decrease the likelihood of service interruptions for users, underscoring why such coordination is a core component of the hard fork schedule.
Data from Cexplorer.io shows continued progress in operator and exchange readiness for Cardano Protocol Version 11. The share of blocks produced on V11 reached 87% in the last 100 blocks, and 33 exchanges have completed or begun upgrade preparations.
Governance vote is the final step
An on-chain governance process for the mainnet hard fork is currently active. While the outcome is not yet final, momentum and support for the upgrade are reportedly increasing. Achieving full readiness will require the alignment of operator preparedness, exchange upgrades, and governance approval.
Available data suggests that Cardano is approaching the necessary support threshold for the V11 mainnet hard fork. However, completion of the process hinges on widespread technical adoption and the formal conclusion of the on-chain governance vote.
