# Alpenglow: A New Consensus for Solana

By [AiNodes](https://paragraph.com/@ainodes) · 2025-05-21

---

Anza, a Solana Labs spinout, has proposed a significant upgrade to Solana’s consensus mechanism with the introduction of Alpenglow. This proposal aims to enhance the network’s performance by reducing block finality times to 100–150 milliseconds, a substantial improvement over the current 12.8 seconds. Alpenglow introduces two new components: Votor, which handles voting and block finalization, and Rotor, responsible for data dissemination.

![https://www.anza.xyz/blog/alpenglow-a-new-consensus-for-solana](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/fb53076eae82eadb5f6df5478cb5c29748e3885cc9bce0bd211a7b1ddeef40ba.png)

https://www.anza.xyz/blog/alpenglow-a-new-consensus-for-solana

### What Is Alpenglow?

Alpenglow is a proposed overhaul of Solana’s consensus protocol, replacing the existing Tower BFT and Proof-of-History systems. Votor aims to achieve block finality in a single round if 80% of the stake participates, or in two rounds with 60% participation. Rotor, on the other hand, refines Solana’s data dissemination by adopting a direct communication approach, moving away from the traditional gossip protocol.

### Key Features

*   **Ultra-Fast Finality**: Targets block finality within 100–150 milliseconds, significantly faster than the current average.
    
*   **Simplified Architecture**: Eliminates the need for Proof-of-History, streamlining the consensus process.
    
*   **Enhanced Data Propagation**: Rotor utilizes a single-layer relay system for efficient data dissemination.
    
*   **Resilience**: Designed to tolerate up to 20% adversarial and 20% non-responsive stake.
    

### Current Status

Alpenglow is currently a proposal and has not been implemented on the Solana mainnet. It is undergoing testing and evaluation, with plans for potential deployment pending community approval through a Solana Improvement Document (SIMD).

**Article made by Anton Verigin**  
Visit him on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/averigin) or contact him via [Email](https://av@ainodes.tech/)

**Have your opinion? Let’s discuss it!**  
⬇️⬇️⬇️ Join our socials! ⬇️⬇️⬇️  
[Twitter](https://x.com/ainodestech) | [Hey.xyz](https://hey.xyz/u/ainodes) | [Warpcast](https://warpcast.com/ainodes) | [DeBank](https://debank.com/profile/0xb6c1c02341892e415430e8e6b72e49cd4cc070b9)

---

*Originally published on [AiNodes](https://paragraph.com/@ainodes/alpenglow-a-new-consensus-for-solana)*