Solana has taken another step toward improving its blockchain performance with the introduction of SIP SIMD-0337 under the Alpenglow upgrade. The new mechanism enables fast leader transitions through a process known as Block Marking, which enhances block production speed by around 120 milliseconds.
Consequently, the improvement boosts the network’s Instant Block Replay Latency (IBRL) by 7.5% and enhances throughput reliability, strengthening Solana’s position as a high-performance blockchain.
Fast Leader Handover Reinforces Network Stability
The innovation addresses a long-standing challenge in blockchain systems ensuring smooth transitions between network leaders. In many protocols, a malicious leader can trick the next one into producing invalid blocks, leading to potential forks.
Alpenglow introduces Fast Leader Handover, which prevents this issue by allowing leaders to produce blocks instantly without waiting for parent confirmations. This ensures seamless continuity, even during potential network disruptions.
Two crucial components, BlockHeader and UpdateParent, power this transition. BlockHeader identifies the block’s parent, while UpdateParent allows a switch to a new parent mid-production if a previous leader acts maliciously. This combination maximizes throughput and ensures the network remains both fast and secure.
Solana Holds Above Key Support Levels
At press time, Solana (SOL) trades near $186.75 with a daily trading volume of over $8.7 billion. According to curb.sol, $180 remains the key level Solana must defend to sustain its bullish outlook.
The token is consolidating near its 200-day and 300-day moving averages around $174–$176 a critical confluence zone that historically triggers major rebounds. Holding above these averages could reignite momentum toward the $240 and $320 resistance regions.
Analysts Eye Long-Term Upside
Source: X
Analyst borovik notes that Solana’s chart structure reflects sustained higher lows since early 2024, reinforcing a long-term bullish trend. The $175 zone acts as short-term support, while resistance lies near $200 and $250. A successful breakout above $200 could open a path toward $275–$300, and possibly $1,000 in the next market cycle.
