Zcash plans to launch the Ironwood network upgrade on July 28 at block height 3,428,143. This update will introduce a new shielding pool and adjust the verification design, focusing on enhancing the verifiability of ZEC supplies while improving long-term network security.

New shielding pool

According to the project disclosure, Ironwood will launch a new shielded pool that incorporates a quantum-recoverable note design. This adjustment addresses future security needs and aims to improve asset verification methods while preserving privacy features.

Add switching mechanism

This upgrade will also introduce a turnstile mechanism to further strengthen the verification of ZEC's total supply. Supply verification has always been a key focus for privacy networks, and such mechanisms are typically used to ensure a clearer correspondence between shielded assets and the overall issuance.

Responding to concerns about the risks of the old pool

This adjustment is also related to potential risks associated with the older Orchard shielding pool. The original text states that the development team hopes this will address concerns about potential forgery vulnerabilities in the pool and reduce the impact of related issues on network trust.

Overall, Ironwood is more of a security and structural upgrade than a simple functional expansion. After the upgrade, Zcash's privacy transaction system will gradually transition to the new shielded pool design.