Researchers at Anza have introduced proposals SIMD-0674 and SIMD-0675 to optimize the Solana network. The core idea involves grouping validators by geographic location to create a geo-aware leader schedule, reducing the physical distance data must travel during block production handovers.
Simulations based on mainnet data from epoch 1038, involving 661 validators, showed that the proposed model reduces mean handover latency from 36.2 milliseconds to 17.0 milliseconds, a decrease of 53%. The design limits each geographic bin to a maximum of 3 consecutive leaders, with each regional cycle lasting approximately 2.4 seconds.
The proposals maintain current stake weights and slot allocations, ensuring validator revenue remains unaffected. However, participation requires validators to register their physical location on-chain; failure to do so will result in exclusion from block production and voting.
These changes are linked to the upcoming Alpenglow consensus protocol, which targets a finality of around 150 milliseconds. As of September 30, 2026, SIMD-0675 has reached 'ready for review' status, while SIMD-0674 remains in draft form.
