After defining the range

Pectra forksuccessful interop And four upgraded networks, we are now launching the first short-lived Pectra testnet: Mekong!

The Mekong test network includes all proposed EIPs for the future Pectra fork On Ethereum. These changes include changes to the user experience across EIP-7702areal changes across EIP-7251And changes to deposit and exit mechanisms via EIP-6110/ EIP-7002 And more. A comprehensive list of European Investment Plans (EIPs) can be found along with the applicable specifications here.

Mekong is meant to serve as a playground for wallet developers to experience user experience changes and for those interested to gain confidence in the upcoming changes. The testnet will be short-lived and feature-complete with all intended EIPs Bactra. We may see some minor spec changes or smaller EIPs, but the features included here will bring it over to existing public testnets and eventually the Ethereum mainnet.

Using Mekong

Never

To get started using Mekong, please visit the web Landing page. 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.

Application and tool developers

There are some UX-specific EIPs in this upgrade and we’re really excited to see how wallets will benefit from it. So please try the changes and give us feedback. You can find some answers to common questions here here.

running node

Please follow the guide here In order to run a node on the Mekong testnet. As with the Ethereum mainnet, you will need to run an implementation and consensus layer node.

Stickers

There are some major changes to the staking workflow coming at Pectra and the Mekong Test Network will be the first site to trial them. There are changes to deposit and withdrawal methods, so please refer to the existing FAQs here For more details. Please read Instructions For information on how to activate the Mekong Validation Tool.

Instructions

Does this affect the Ethereum Mainnet, Holesky, or Sepolia in any way?

No, Mekong is a new testnet and does not affect other Ethereum networks. However, the test on the Mekong will be useful in spreading the Pectra upgrade on other Ethereum networks.

As a non-survey node operator, what should I do?

Mekong is a new testnet, so you don’t need to do anything if you run your node on Holesky/Sepolia or on the Ethereum Mainnet. However, if you want to run a node on the new network, use the instructions and your Ethereum client version listed in the link here.

As a stakeholder, what should I do?

Please refer to the section “As an unregistered node operator, what should I do?” To run the node first. Then you can make a deposit and run the validator on the new Mekong network.

We advise you to read Frequently asked questions about Bectra. There is some information about basic actions you may want to perform as an administrator.

As an app or tool developer, what should I do?

Application and tool developers should review upgrade changes to ensure that any fixes have been made, or to understand how to use newly introduced functionality.

Wallet developers should review the upgrade, specifically for EIP-7702 to ensure the latest features are supported.

Why “Mekong”?

A Devcon conference will be held before the Pectra upgrade in Southeast Asia. We wanted to choose a name that would fit with this site. The Mekong River, which flows through many Southeast Asian countries, seemed like a suitable choice.

My question was not answered, where can I go?

We recommend reading the full FAQ here. If your question is still unanswered, please ask it at one of these sites:

• Unlike AetherStalker or EarthStalker
• Ethereum cat herders discord
• Ethereum Wizards Forum
• R&D controversy in Ethereum

Cover image by Jules Nehlig