Anza introduces updates to tackle congestion on Solana network

Anza has introduced updates in version 1.18.11 of its validator client to address Solana’s network congestion issues.

Validator clients are crucial software tools used in proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchains such as Solana (SOL) and Ethereum (ETH), enabling validators to authenticate transactions and uphold network rules. According to a representative from Anza, an update aims to solve Solana’s congestion issues.

“The ongoing congestion issues have prompted developers to swiftly take action.”

Anza developer

Besides enhancing validator clients, developers are exploring other strategies, such as optimizing computing unit usage, implementing priority fees to improve user experiences, and developing stake-weighted quality of service to prioritize transactions more effectively.

The root cause of the issues on the Solana network has been primarily linked to spam transactions, which severely affect transaction speeds and increase transaction drop rates. Solana’s architecture directly processes transactions without a mempool, which compounds the problems.

External analyses emphasize Solana’s severe congestion challenges. Reports indicate that a rise in the popularity of Solana meme coins has exacerbated network overload, leading to significant transaction delays and high failure rates.

In response, Solana Foundation’s Head of Strategy, Austin Federa, highlighted the network’s challenges on Twitter. He added that the network had previously overcome similar challenges, suggesting stability in handling such setbacks.

“Every decision is a series of tradeoffs, sometimes you get it right, sometimes you get it wrong.”

Austin Federa, Solana Foundation’s Head of Strategy