Zcash developers propose cutting block times to 20 seconds in potential NU7.1 upgrade
Just days after the NU7 upgrade reduced Zcash block times to 25 seconds, developers have proposed another reduction to 20 seconds in a draft ZIP aimed at speeding up transaction confirmations.
Zcash developers have submitted a proposal to cut the network's target block spacing from 25 seconds to 20 seconds, coming just days after the NU7 upgrade went live. NU7 previously reduced block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds. Developers ValarDragon and Evan Forbes submitted the draft Zcash Improvement Proposal on Sunday, seeking to have the measure included in the next community poll for potential activation in an NU7.1 upgrade.[1][2][4][6]
The proposed reduction is designed to shorten transaction confirmation times and improve network latency and user experience for point-of-sale payments, exchange deposits, and cross-chain swaps. The draft represents a follow-on to ZIP 218 and is framed as a latency-only change that would keep daily private transaction capacity identical while leaving Zcash's existing issuance schedule and 21 million supply cap untouched.[2][3][4][6]
Developer ValarDragon noted that orphan rates represent the only risk to the change, but reported that stress-net measurements for 20-second blocks outperformed previous expectations from a May Zebra analysis and meet the existing safety threshold established for 25-second blocks. In addition, early network data shows Zcash's orphan-block rate holding close to pre-upgrade levels despite blocks arriving three times faster after NU7, prompting developers to pursue the further speed enhancement.[5][6]
Key facts
- Developers ValarDragon and Evan Forbes proposed reducing Zcash's target block interval from 25 seconds to 20 seconds.
- The proposal follows the activation of the NU7 upgrade, which cut Zcash block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds.
- The developers are seeking inclusion of the proposal in the next community poll for a potential NU7.1 upgrade.
- The block-time reduction aims to speed up confirmations for payments, exchange deposits, and cross-chain swaps.
- The change leaves daily private transaction capacity, the issuance schedule, and the 21 million supply cap untouched.
- Early data shows Zcash's orphan-block rate holding near pre-upgrade levels despite blocks being generated three times faster under NU7.
- ValarDragon stated that stress-net measurements for 20-second blocks meet the safety threshold set for 25-second blocks on current node software.
Sources · 6 sources
- BS
BSCN@BSCNewsPost on X ·
Zcash Developers Want Faster Transactions After NU7 Upgrade Zcash (@Zcash) $ZEC developers have proposed cutting the target block interval from 25 seconds to 20 seconds. The proposal follows the activation of the NU7 upgrade. Developers ValarDragon and Evan Forbes submitted a draft ZIP on Sunday. They want the change included in the next community poll and considered for NU7.1. If adopted, the shorter interval could bring faster transaction confirmations.
Open source - TB
The Block@TheBlockCoPost on X ·
THE BLOCK: Zcash developers proposed cutting block target spacing from 25 seconds to 20 seconds in a potential NU7.1 upgrade just days after NU7 went live. The proposal seeks to speed up confirmations and improve end-user UX and latency. https://t.co/bY435WA41q
Open source - CT
Coin TelegraphArticle ·
Zcash devs propose another block time cut days after NU7 upgrade The proposed reduction aims to shorten transaction confirmation times and improve the user experience for point-of-sale payments, exchange deposits and cross-chain swaps.
Open source - CN
crypto.news@cryptodotnewsPost on X ·
JUST IN: Zcash developers propose 20-second block times in potential NU7.1 upgrade The proposal would reduce target block spacing from 25 to 20 seconds, aiming to speed up transaction confirmations and improve user experience and network latency just days after NU7 went live. https://t.co/WPzu6EFuaZ
Open source - CO
CoindeskArticle ·
Zcash developers want 20-second blocks just days after major speed upgrade Early data shows Zcash's orphan-block rate holding close to pre-upgrade levels despite blocks arriving three times faster, encouraging developers to push for another reduction.
Open source - CB
Crypto Banter@crypto_banterPost on X ·
🚨ZCASH DEVS PUSH FOR 20-SECOND BLOCKS RIGHT AFTER NU7! Just days after NU7 went live and cut zcash:native block times from 75 seconds to 25 seconds, developers ValarDragon and Evan Forbes filed a draft ZIP proposing another cut to 20 seconds in a potential NU7.1 upgrade. The change aims to speed up confirmations for payments, exchange deposits and cross-chain swaps. It would keep daily private transaction capacity the same and leave the existing issuance schedule and 21 million supply cap untouched.
Open source