The Cardano network is preparing for a major boost in data processing capacity. Input Output has laid out a rollout roadmap for Leios targeting a 3- to 5-fold increase in transaction throughput during its initial phase. If governance approves subsequent parameter settings, network capacity is projected to surge 10- to 15-fold compared to current limits.
The implementation of Leios begins with the Dijkstra hard fork. Developers have scheduled stake pool operator (SPO) registration, mainnet transaction load testing, and at least two rounds of protocol parameter updates. This sequence of phases is designed to ensure the throughput increase aligns with validator readiness.
Throughput Targets and MusashiNet Record
Currently, the Praos protocol limits Cardano’s throughput to 4.5 transaction kilobytes per second (TxkB/s). The initial Leios design is set to elevate that figure to between 13.5 and 22.5 TxkB/s. If the opening phase proceeds smoothly, processing capacity will be scaled further to between 45 and 67.5 TxkB/s.
Test results on MusashiNet serve as the primary benchmark for these new capacity targets. The test network recorded a peak processing high of 26.8 TxkB/s. That milestone in the test environment is equivalent to 5.94 times the current capacity of the Cardano mainnet.
How the BLS Voting System Works
For Leios to be activated, network validators play a decisive role. Pool operators must generate and register dedicated BLS voting keys. The rollout can only proceed once holders of 90% to 95% of all active stake have completed the registration of these new keys.
The use of BLS signatures allows hundreds of validator votes to be aggregated into a single compact certificate. Under this mechanism, issuing an endorser block requires backing from at least 75% of active stake. Operators that have not registered BLS keys can still produce regular Praos blocks, but their voting rights for Leios endorser blocks will be temporarily forfeited.
Constitutional and Governance Approval Thresholds
Before the Dijkstra hard fork can be officially executed, proposed amendments to Cardano’s constitution must first pass a vote. Network governance rules require approval from 75% of delegated representative (DRep) stake and the backing of at least two-thirds of Constitutional Committee members.
Once constitutional matters are resolved, giving the green light to the Dijkstra hard fork demands a combined quorum: 60% of DRep stake, 51% of SPO stake, plus a two-thirds vote from the Constitutional Committee. After this technical upgrade is live, increasing throughput to subsequent stages will still require an additional 67% approval from DRep stake.
These tiered rules place control over Cardano’s speed directly in the hands of delegated stake holders and pool operators. Software readiness is only half the battle; the rest hinges on reaching quorum in governance forums.
Reported by crypto.news.
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