BIP-110’s mandatory signaling phase begins today, focusing attention on Bitcoin block 961,632 as the network approaches a live test of consensus. The decisive block is expected to arrive in approximately eight hours based on average block intervals, though actual timing may vary. The shift raises the possibility of a temporary chain split if a significant share of miners fail to signal support.
Mandatory Signaling Begins
Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs) outline potential changes to the network’s rules. When a proposal enters a mandatory signaling phase, miners are required to include a designated version bit in block headers to indicate support. This mechanism is typically used to coordinate activation of consensus changes and to ensure broad agreement among miners before enforcement begins.
Key Block to Watch
Block 961,632 marks the start of the mandatory signaling requirement for BIP-110. If a miner produces a block at or after this height without the required signal and a large portion of the network enforces the new rule set, that block could be rejected by upgraded nodes, potentially leading to a chain split. Observers will be watching not only the first qualifying block but also subsequent blocks to assess how widely miners are complying.
How to Monitor the Rollout
- Block explorers: Many major explorers display per-block version bits and signaling status. Watching consecutive blocks around height 961,632 will help indicate miner participation.
- Mining pool dashboards: Pool status pages and industry trackers often publish which pools have upgraded or are signaling for specific BIPs.
- Node data: Operators running full nodes can inspect block headers and version bits locally to verify signaling.
What a Split Would Mean
If a nontrivial portion of hash rate fails to signal and continues building on non-signaling blocks rejected by upgraded nodes, the network could temporarily split into incompatible chains. In such scenarios, the chain with the majority of economic support and hash rate typically prevails, but short-term disruptions are possible until consensus reconverges. Market participants, service providers, and node operators generally monitor these events closely to ensure operational continuity.