The block in the Bitcoin network reached 1.3 MB and the hash rate is at a record level of 136 EH/s, just before the upcoming halving.
Record Average BTC block size
To talk about the BTC block you first need to understand what it is. Blocks in the BTC network are nothing more than structures that store information about executed transactions. Before they are attached to a network blockchain, their correctness is validated by miners. The larger a block (MB), the more information it contains, so more processing power is needed to mine it out.
The size of the BTC block reached its highest level so far on May 2nd, at about 1.342 MB. The previous record level was in December 2019 and amounted to 1.314 MB.
source: Blockchain
High transaction fee
With halving approaching, BTC’s network has seen a significant increase in fees, perhaps in order to prioritize transactions. The average transaction fee for Bitcoin reached $3.19 on 8 March, a significant increase from the April average fee of $0.60.
source: Billfodl
Rising hash rate
The miners increased their activity ahead of the upcoming halving, despite recent decreases in Bitcoin price from $10,000 to $8,100, resulting in an increased hash rate, which is achieving record results.
Before the Bitcoin halving, which will take place in about 7 hours’ time at the time of writing the article, the hash rate reaches a new record level. Bitcoin’s network capacity reaches 136 EH/sec according to Blockchain data, although 2 days ago it was only 109 EH/sec.
source: Blockchain
Some analysts say that the highest level of hash rate may occur just before the halving of the most popular crypto in the world, so we can count on further increases in this level today. Monday is the last day on which the prize for the block delivers 12.5 BTC. From Tuesday or even earlier, the prize will be 6.25 BTC.