After a validation software update on February 25, the Solana network experienced a decrease in the rate of block production. Transactions were interrupted as a consequence of the event, prompting validators to downgrade the software in an effort to restore network speed.

At around 6:00 am (UTC), a glitch began that prompted validators to switch to version 1.13 in an attempt to recover transactions across the entire network. However, the downgrade was not enough to get Solana up and running again, and as a result, the decision had to be made to restart the network in v1.13.6.

“The network reported a significant delay in block production around the same time a validator software update was deployed. Engineers are currently investigating the underlying reason for the issue,” the Solana website for the compass noted.

The issue is related to the upgrade from version 1.13 to version 1.14, which slowed down the block completion process. The Solana network is in the process of restarting, and for activities to continue, it is essential to have 80 percent of active participation online:

“As additional validators finish their reset, this number will increase according to the amount of bet they have delegated: this means that larger validators like CEX have a disproportionately high influence on restart timings.”

Within the first few hours after the issue was reported, Solana validators met and brainstormed possible solutions to the issue. Infrastructure provider Chorus One noted in a tweet that the event “demonstrated how truly decentralized the network is.” The first chorus continued: “If we didn’t have to spend so much time debating, we could be back up in an hour. However, every step along the route is subject to controversy, including whether or not to downgrade, whether to restart, and whether to go from a downgrade to a reset approach. Voted on. In the end, it takes us 8-10 hours to recover, instead of just 1”.

This is a developing story and more information will be posted as it becomes available. Please check for updates.