Ethereum Boosts Blob Limit to 21 to Improve Network Performance

Ethereum's second Blob Parameter-Only (BPO) hard fork went live on Wednesday, increasing the network's blob limit from 15 to 21. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to scale the network and improve data throughput. The change aims to support higher rollup activity by allowing more transactions to be batched efficiently.

The BPO fork also raised the blob target from 10 to 14. This figure is seen as a more important indicator of network performance, as it reflects the level of usage the network aims to sustain. Maintaining capacity below the 21-blob limit helps prevent node overload and ensures continued stability.

Each blob unit carries 128 kilobytes of data, meaning Ethereum can now handle up to 2,688 kilobytes in a single block. This increase allows for more efficient processing of transactions, especially through layer-2 rollups.

Why the Move Happened

Ethereum developers have been focused on improving scalability by incrementally adjusting data availability parameters. This approach avoids the need for major network overhauls and allows the network to scale in response to demand.

Since the first BPO hard fork in December 2025, Ethereum has seen more stable gas fees and reduced congestion on the mainnet. This stability has been a key goal for developers and users alike, as it supports lower transaction costs and smoother network operations.

The move also reflects Ethereum's broader strategy to become a more flexible and efficient base layer. By tuning blob limits, the network can respond to growing demand for layer-2 activity without requiring disruptive changes.

What Analysts Are Watching

Analysts are closely monitoring the impact of the increased blob limit on network performance and node health. The higher target of 14 blobs per block is seen as a key metric for assessing whether the network can handle increased usage without compromising stability.

Developers are also looking ahead to further scalability improvements, including a planned increase in the gas limit from 60 million to 80 million. This change would allow more transactions and smart contract operations to be processed per block, potentially reducing fees further.

The upcoming Glamsterdam hard fork in 2026 is expected to introduce "perfect parallel processing," which could significantly increase transaction throughput. This upgrade will be made possible through Ethereum Improvement Proposal-7928, which aims to transition the network from a single-lane to a multi-lane processing model.

Ethereum's ability to scale incrementally without major upgrades has been a key point of discussion among observers. The BPO fork demonstrates that the network can adapt its parameters in response to demand, providing operational agility and long-term scalability.

What's Next for Ethereum

Further upgrades to the gas limit and data availability layers are expected in 2026. These changes will build on the current improvements and help Ethereum continue its transition into a more scalable and efficient network.

The success of the BPO hard fork and upcoming upgrades will have important implications for both developers and users. As Ethereum continues to evolve, the network's ability to handle higher volumes of transactions at lower costs will be a key factor in its long-term viability.