The Cardano blockchain is gearing up for a significant protocol enhancement, with its development team rolling out crucial software updates on February 21, 2026. These coordinated releases for both the network’s core node and its smart contract platform lay the essential groundwork for an impending hard fork, signaling a period of intensive technical preparation.

Foundation for the “van Rossem” Hard Fork

In a synchronized move, developers introduced new versions of two fundamental components. Cardano Node v10.6.2 was deployed, focusing on bolstering the network’s internal architecture and enhancing its tracing capabilities. This update is designed to reinforce the infrastructure’s stability and resilience ahead of planned protocol modifications.

Simultaneously, the team launched Plutus version 1.58.0.0. As the blockchain’s native smart contract language, this upgrade expands the suite of built-in functions available to developers. The enhancements aim to broaden the potential for decentralized applications (dApps) operating within the Cardano ecosystem.

These releases directly pave the way for the next intra-era hard fork, officially designated “van Rossem.” This event will transition the network to Protocol Version 11, delivering targeted improvements in Plutus performance, ledger consistency, and node security.

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A Dual Focus: Present and Future Development

This activity underscores Cardano’s research-driven development philosophy. The current work not only facilitates the imminent shift to Protocol Version 11 but also establishes a foundation for the subsequent Dijkstra era, which will introduce Protocol Version 12. This long-term roadmap highlights the project’s continued emphasis on scalability and security.

The ecosystem has demonstrated vigorous development momentum in early 2026. Beyond these core updates, numerous projects across the network have seen advancements in wallet services, scaling technology, and underlying protocol features.

Network Metrics and Market Positioning

As developers strengthen the technical backbone, on-chain metrics present a nuanced picture. Data from Santiment on February 21 indicates Cardano’s 30-day Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio stood at -2.0%. This figure suggests the asset is trading below the average price paid by investors over the past month, a condition some market observers interpret as a sign of potential undervaluation.

Alongside its technical progress, Cardano is being highlighted in several market analyses as a suitable network for cryptocurrency newcomers. Its predictable fee structure and stable transaction environment are frequently cited as beneficial for users learning to manage digital assets.

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