The Namada protocol is a proof-of-stake L1 for interchain asset-agnostic data protection. Namada deploys zkps to enable a unified shielded set and shielded transfers for arbitrary assets that are created on Ethereum or fast-finality chains that are IBC-compatible.
Over the last months, the Namada protocol's release cadence has been stabilised to a biweekly release schedule and multiple releases have been continuously tested by a group of very early Namada validators*, including the current private testnet that deploys the Namada protocol v0.11.0.
In preparation for mainnet, the implementation of the Namada protocol needs to be tested by as many network operators and other users as possible. To facilitate this, a series of public testnets will be launched that anyone can join.
Testnet schedule
Namada's first public testnet genesis time is programmed for 17:00 UTC on the 20th of December 2022.
After genesis, anyone can join by operating a full node, a validator, or testing the network's shielding features as a user.
Expect network upgrades, restarts, bugs and other unforeseen actions or events during public testnets.
The public testnets are a great training ground for participants in the upcoming incentivised testnets and everyone who is planning to operate or use Namada post-mainnet in any capacity.
Getting ready for Namada public testnets
Namada is a novel L1 protocol that deploys a new proof-of-stake variant called Cubic Proof-of-Stake as its Sybil-resistance mechanism, among many other exciting features. As the genesis time for the first public testnet gets closer, here is some recommended reading for everyone who's interested in participating:
The Namada protocol specifications provide an in-depth description of the architecture, cryptographic and cryptoeconomic to mechanisms of the protocol.
The validator and user docs (updated regularly) contain guides and instructions for running a full node, validators or using Namada's features.
Visit the Namada code repository to checkout the implementation and staying up-to-date with the protocol software releases (give it a star & watching to get notifications on the development!).
Follow Namada on Twitter for relevant updates and feel free to post on Namada's subreddit if you have any questions.