In a pivotal development for the Cardano ecosystem, Intersect, a member-based organization within the platform, has announced the opening of its public test network, Dijkstra, to participants. The organization has called upon stake pool operators to engage with the network ahead of the upcoming version 11.2 and pv12 hard fork processes.
Dijkstra Testnet Now Open to All Participants
As of October 21, the Dijkstra testnet has been reactivated and is now fully accessible. Operating on node version 11.1.3 and protocol version 11, coined Conway, the network invites stakeholders to test and provide feedback. The transition is crucial as Intersect prepares for the imminent release of version 11.2, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement during this phase.
Stake pool operators can seamlessly integrate into the network using configuration files shared via Cardano Book. The same source also provides a link to a Dijkstra testnet faucet. With the release of 11.2 on the horizon, these preparations are vital, according to Intersect.
Intersect states that “the Dijkstra testnet is now open to all and stake pool operators can begin integrating with the network ahead of the 11.2 release and pv12 hard fork.”
Advancements in Versions 11.2 and 11.3 Underway
Development efforts are intensively focused on version 11.2, which is expected to be deployed shortly. This release will incorporate all features encompassed in the Dijkstra hard fork, except for Leios. Until version 11.2 is launched, Cardano will continue operating on version 11.1.3.
Once version 11.2 is live, the hard fork process will commence on DijkstraNet, the publicly available test network. This update promises to introduce additional capabilities, such as LSM clearance, particularly aimed at mainnet utilization.
Meanwhile, work progresses on version 11.3, although considerable development remains necessary. The labeled release is anticipated to be at least two weeks away. A preliminary weekly RC 2026w42 release, which serves as a Leios-based prototype, has been introduced, featuring all attributes of the Dijkstra hard fork, including Leios.
This prototype allows teams developing subsidiary tools to preliminarily test Dijkstra functionalities on the Musashi testnet, aiming to facilitate integration before the official release of version 11.3.
Emerging Protocol Parameters and Leios Rollout
Under the Dijkstra hard fork is CIP 23, which introduces a new protocol parameter called minPoolMargin. This parameter sets a baseline for the variable fees that stake pools can define, addressing long-standing operator requests for such a feature.
The forthcoming Ouroboros Leios, a significant phase in Cardano’s evolution, will be rolled out gradually. During the initial phase, stake pool operators will register new BLS voting keys. As sufficient stake registration is achieved, Leios will begin utilizing endorser blocks.
The primary goal is to amplify the current Praos limit of 4.5 kilobytes per second transaction capacity by three to fivefold. Subsequent protocol parameter updates aim to elevate this capacity to 10 to 15 times the current level. Future enhancements will be determined by demand, developer requirements, and network operational economics.
The Dijkstra update includes nested transactions, account improvements, guard script structures, Plutus V4, freely withdrawable staking rewards, and a new pledge leverage parameter.
