Ethereum’s (ETH) tenth “shadow fork” has gone into effect as the network continues to run tests ahead of its anticipated switch to the less energy-intensive proof-of-stake protocol.
In preparation for its move from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake operating model, a transition known in the cryptocurrency world as the “Merge,” Ethereum has been undergoing a series of tests, or shadow forks, that copy data from the main network to a test environment network.
This shadow fork, which is the tenth to occur, brings Ethereum a step closer to the proof-of-stake transition that is expected to occur by year’s end.
The latest data transfer, or shadow fork, occurred when Terminal Total Difficulty (TTD) was overridden.
A proof-of-stake protocol will use significantly less energy than the current proof-of-work model and is better for the environment.
No significant glitches were reported with the tenth shadow fork, which is a positive development. Ethereum is expected to continue running shadow forks until the Merge is finalized.
The price of Ethereum, the second largest digital asset, has fallen 57% this year and currently trades at $1,624.62 U.S. per token.
