Neo Launches Neo X Gamma TestNet

The Neo X TestNet has been upgraded to the Neo X Gamma version, intended to be the long-term supported TestNet network. 

The previous Beta TestNet is planned for decommission within two weeks, and all developers are advised to migrate their work to the Gamma version as soon as possible. 

This Neo X node version is based on the v1.13.11 Geth implementation, supporting the latest Ethereum-compatible Shanghai fork.

The Gamma TestNet introduces a range of updates and enhancements. This update implements a policy-based transaction fee-burning mechanism, replacing the EIP-1559 dynamic base fee model. 

The Gamma version also includes protocol extensions, enhanced system contract features, native bridge improvements, and documentation updates. Security audit results have led to system contract and dBFT protocol enhancements and stability fixes.

Gamma TestNet updates

The Gamma version of Neo X brings significant changes to network transaction fee calculation and burning. The block’s base fee and minimum required transaction tip are now configured by network validators and stored in the Policy contract, with both currently set at 20 Gwei. 

This update has been implemented via a fork and renders the EIP-1559 dynamic block fee model obsolete from this point onwards. 

Related node RPC APIs have been adjusted to reflect these changes, ensuring that ecosystem tools like MetaMask continue to function correctly with the updated fee model.

The Neo X Governance contract now includes a new ‘transferVote’ method, enabling voters to shift their votes from one candidate to another with a single contract call. 

To prevent potential DoS attacks, the consensus candidate registration fee has increased from 1,000 GAS to 20,000 GAS. Candidates exiting the list will incur a 5% commission on the deposited registration fee. 

Additionally, the number of candidates that can be registered simultaneously is capped at 2,000.

A protocol-level update introduces a transaction re-announcement mechanism for mempooled transactions. 

This change will cause nodes to periodically reshare unaccepted transactions, ensuring better network connectivity and reducing transaction acceptance delays.

The native bridge between Neo N3 and Neo X was updated to support NEP-17 and ERC-20 tokens. The token registration process is overseen by bridge governance members and is a manual process to ensure security.

Finally, following a security audit, the dBFT network protocol was improved to verify dBFT payloads against the current set of consensus members, even at ordinary seed nodes. 

System contracts now include stability and safety improvements, resulting in reduced invocation costs and safe invocation guarantees for Neo X users. The native bridge also received enhancements based on the audit, both on the N3 and X contract side.