Hedera Upgrades Mainnet and Deploys New Testnet Feature
The network moved to version 0.78.1 and launched Network MCP, continuing its ongoing technical development cycle.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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The Hedera network has officially launched Network MCP on its testnet while simultaneously completing a mainnet upgrade to version 0.78.1. These updates to the distributed ledger infrastructure were both deployed on October 22, 2026.
Why it matters
Regular updates to distributed ledger networks are essential to maintaining performance and security for decentralized applications. These deployments ensure the Hedera ecosystem remains aligned with its current technical specifications and development roadmap.
The mainnet upgrade to version 0.78.1 serves as the latest iteration of the network software, marking a transition from the previous architectural state. Network MCP is now active within the testnet environment for evaluation.
The players
Hedera
A decentralized, open-source, proof-of-stake distributed ledger network that uses the hashgraph consensus algorithm to process transactions.
The details
The Hedera network utilizes a hashgraph consensus algorithm, a distributed ledger technology designed to achieve high throughput without the traditional energy requirements of proof-of-work systems. The version 0.78.1 upgrade involves updating the core codebase that governs node communication and transaction validation processes. Network MCP acts as a testnet-specific implementation intended for functional verification of new network governance or data protocols prior to mainnet integration.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: Network MCP launched on the testnet and the mainnet upgrade to 0.78.1 was finalized.
The Tech Race
This deployment follows the established update cycle outlined in the Hedera governing council's technical roadmap. It reflects the ongoing efforts by distributed ledger networks to iterate on protocol efficiency as they compete for enterprise adoption.
Developers and node operators interacting with the Hedera ecosystem should verify their configurations against the new 0.78.1 mainnet specifications. Those testing dApps or smart contracts can begin validating against the new Network MCP functionality on the testnet immediately.
The takeaway
The deployment of 0.78.1 and Network MCP highlights a focus on iterative network hardening. Stakeholders should monitor official developer documentation for the subsequent mainnet rollout of features currently restricted to the testnet environment.
Further reading
For broader trends in distributed ledger performance, explore the Quantum Computing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TokenPost.
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