Definition ∞ An Ethereum network upgrade signifies a substantial alteration or improvement to the underlying protocol of the Ethereum blockchain. These modifications often involve changes to the consensus mechanism, transaction execution layer, or overall network architecture. Such upgrades aim to enhance the platform’s scalability, security, and long-term sustainability. They represent a collective effort to advance the network’s capabilities.
Context ∞ Ethereum network upgrades are consistently prominent in cryptocurrency news, given their profound impact on the broader digital asset ecosystem. Reports detail the technical specifications, deployment timelines, and anticipated effects on transaction costs, processing speeds, and the developer community. The successful implementation of these upgrades is vital for Ethereum to retain its position as a leading platform for decentralized applications and for its continued expansion.