Ethereum increased the amount of data each block can carry on Tuesday, adjusting core parameters that support its rollup-focused scaling strategy. The network raised its blob target to 14 from 10, lifting the maximum limit to 21 from 15. This change affects how layer-2 networks post data to Ethereum for settlement while keeping security and finality on the main chain.

The update arrived through Ethereum’s second blob parameter-only fork, known as a BPO. Instead of a sweeping overhaul, developers adjusted data availability in measured steps. This approach aims to expand capacity before congestion pressures appear and fees start reacting sharply.

Blobs serve as data packets that rollups publish to Ethereum; they allow off-chain executions at a lower cost while still anchoring results. Hence, blob space is now shaping the costs across much of the layer-2 ecosystem.

Blobs and the Economics of Rollups

Blobs now rank among the main cost drivers for rollups like Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Mantle. Zero-knowledge systems like zkSync Era, StarkNet, and Scroll also depend on blob capacity.

When space tightens, rollup fees can rise; as capacity expands, rollups gain more room to post data efficiently. 

As a result, users often see steadier transaction costs across layer-2 networks.

Current on-chain data shows blob usage remaining far below the new limits. Rollup activity continues to grow, yet demand has not approached capacity – this gap suggests Ethereum’s preemptive scaling rather than reacting to congestion.

Incremental Scaling Over Headline Forks

This fork marks the second expansion of blob limits since the Fusaka upgrade. The previous BPO went live on December 9, 2025; each change widened throughput without altering other sections of the protocol.

This initiative seeks to expand rollup throughput while keeping base-layer fees steady. Since late 2025, Ethereum mainnet gas costs have shown greater stability. Blobs have contributed by shifting data traffic away from traditional call data.

Instead of waiting for rare, major forks, Ethereum now adjusts data parameters more frequently. Developers tune capacity and observe network behavior before iterating, reflecting a shift toward continuous scaling rather than episodic upgrades.

Broader Network Signals and What Comes Next

Following the update, the queue for Ethereum staking withdrawals dropped to zero on January 6. The waiting period later returned, but stood near an hour at publication time – this movement points to smoother validator exits and entries.

Beyond speed, blobs also manage gas fees. When multiple users compete for block space, prices tend to rise. Layer-2 networks can post data through blobs quickly, easing pressure on the main chain while smoothing traffic patterns.

Developers have discussed raising the gas limit further, possibly to 80 million after the second BPO. Further ahead, Ethereum plans the Glamarsterdam hard fork for late 2026, aiming to lift it gradually toward 200 million. 

The focus is also on introducing parallel transaction processing through Block Access Lists under EIP-7928. Now, the question is: Can steady data expansion and execution keep pace with rising demands without straining the network?  

Conclusion: 

Ethereum raised blob limits to expand data availability and support rollup scaling. The update increases capacity, helping stabilize gas fees and reflecting a shift toward gradual network tuning. 

With usage still below limits, Ethereum is continuing to scale early with support for future demand across layer-2 networks in mind.

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