The Intersect organization, which brings together participants of the Cardano ecosystem, reported on X about the progress of the update preparation. The public Dijkstra test network is open to participants, and staking operators are recommended to join before the release of version 11.2 and the network transition to protocol version 12.
The relaunch of the Dijkstra test network took place on October 21, and it is now available to all participants. The network operates on protocol version 11 (Conway) and node version 11.1.3. Staking operators can connect using configuration files in the Cardano Book directory, where a link to the Dijkstra test network faucet is also provided.
Development of node version 11.2 is ongoing, with a version-tagged release expected soon. The version includes the full set of Dijkstra update features, except for Leios, and will be used to transition the public DijkstraNet test network to the new protocol version. Until the release of 11.2, the Cardano network operates on node 11.1.3. Version 11.2 is expected to bring several additional capabilities, particularly LSM cleanup for use in the main network.
Work on version 11.3 continues: the task volume remains significant, and a version-tagged release is expected in no less than two weeks. The weekly preliminary release 2026w42 is considered a prototype based on Leios with the full set of Dijkstra features, including Leios. This prototype gives teams working with tools the opportunity to explore Dijkstra's functionality on the Musashi test network before the formal release of 11.3.
The CIP-23 standard introduces a new protocol parameter – the minimum pool margin, which is the lower limit of the variable fee that a pool can set. The parameter is confirmed as fully included in the scope of the Dijkstra update, closing a long-standing request from staking operators.
Ouroboros Leios is planned to launch alongside Dijkstra, the next major update of Cardano. But this is just the beginning of the rollout: full support for Leios will not be immediately available to the network. Initially, staking operators will register new BLS voting keys. Once enough stake is registered, Leios will be able to start using block endorsers. Bandwidth will be increased gradually, depending on results in the main network and governance approval. The initial goal is approximately 3–5 times higher than the current Praos cap of 4.5 kilobytes of transactions per second. At least two subsequent protocol parameter changes aim for growth to 10–15 times. Further increases will be determined by demand, developer needs, and network operation economics.
Dijkstra also includes nested transactions, account improvements, protection scripts, Plutus V4, freely withdrawable staking rewards, and a new collateral leverage parameter.
This material is prepared solely for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation.
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