- Cardano’s Leios upgrade introduces parallel block processing to replace its current single-block structure.
- The Leios protocol aims to lift throughput beyond the current 12 TPS by optimizing resource use and transaction handling.
- The upgrade is intended to safeguard the network against congestion from protocol bursts and equivocation attacks.
Cardano is preparing to implement a major protocol upgrade known as Leios, which is expected to significantly improve network performance. Tim Harrison, EVP of Community and Ecosystem at Input Output, confirmed the move and stated that the upgrade will allow Cardano to process parallel blocks instead of one at a time. The new system will rely on stake pool operators to create, endorse, and rank these blocks in parallel.
Currently, Cardano processes transactions through a single linear block sequence, limiting transaction throughput. The Leios upgrade introduces a more efficient structure by enabling multiple block creation processes to run simultaneously. This shift is designed to reduce transaction bottlenecks and enhance system responsiveness without compromising decentralization and security.
Improving Efficiency and Speed
The upgrade is part of the Ouroboros Leios initiative, which remains under development. It expands on Cardano’s current Ouroboros Praos protocol by optimizing how network resources are used. The current protocol faces limitations due to fixed block size and execution constraints, particularly during periods of high demand. Leios addresses these issues by separating and streamlining transaction diffusion, validation, and ordering.
Cardano-Midnight applications and Cardano-Bitcoin bridges keep entering the market, which leads to increasing network demand. The current transaction rate on Cardano stands at 12 transactions per second, while Solana achieves over 7,000 transactions per second. The high transaction rate of the Solana network exceeds 7,000 transactions per second, which motivates Cardano to develop effective scaling solutions.
Leios is also designed to tackle specific network threats such as protocol bursts and equivocation. These issues can cause congestion and slowdowns. The upgraded structure will mitigate these risks by processing more transactions in a shorter time frame and under real-world network conditions.
