Zcash releases Zebra 7.0.0 as NU7 node upgrade deadline approaches

Zcash Foundation has released Zebra 7.0.0 with NU7 mainnet support, telling node operators to upgrade before block 3,543,405, expected around Nov. 5. Summary Mainnet operators must upgrade before activation to remain on the consensus chain. Zebra 6.4.x releases are scheduled to stop operating days before the upgrade. NU7 introduces 25-second blocks while preserving the scheduled daily issuance of ZEC. The foundation says Zebra 7.0.0 includes fixes for five security advisories. Zcash Foundation said in its Oct. 22 announcement that mainnet operators must install the upgrade to remain on the consensus chain, while older 6.4.x releases will stop themselves days before activation. “All Mainnet operators MUST upgrade before height 3,543,405 (~Nov 5) to stay on the consensus chain.” The foundation listed 25-second blocks, a Network Sustainability Mechanism, and fixes for five security advisories among the release’s features. Zebra operators face an earlier shutdown The foundation’s Oct. 6 engineering update put the expected shutdown of Zebra 6.4.x around Nov. 2. Developers shortened the software’s operating period from 15 weeks to 12 weeks to bring that halt ahead of the planned network ...