While blockchain networks trail legacy systems in throughput, systems like Fermi show how quickly that gap is narrowing
The BNB Chain has confirmed that its upcoming Fermi hard fork will go live on the mainnet on January 14, following nearly two months of testing. The upgrade is designed to improve speed and efficiency as the network continues pushing toward higher performance.
One of the biggest changes introduced by Fermi is a major reduction in block time. The interval between blocks will drop from 750 milliseconds to just 250 milliseconds. This move is aimed at supporting applications that depend on fast execution, including trading tools and other time-sensitive services.
To balance the faster pace, the update also adjusts validator voting parameters. These changes are meant to offset communication delays that can occur between nodes when blocks are produced more quickly. Developers say the tweaks should help maintain stability without slowing the network down.
Fermi also brings a new indexing option that allows users to sync only the data they need rather than the full blockchain history. This feature is expected to reduce hardware demands and make it easier for developers and analysts to interact with the chain without heavy computing costs.
The upgrade highlights BNB Chain’s broader effort to compete with traditional financial systems and high-speed blockchains.
Launched in 2020 by Binance, the network now operates under a decentralized validator model and processes hundreds of transactions per second, with room to scale far higher.
Faster block times can also improve decentralized finance activity by reducing delays that cause poor trade execution or slippage. With active addresses climbing toward levels seen on Solana, BNB Chain is positioning itself as a serious option for developers who need speed.
