TON Optimization: How the Network is Accelerating, Scaling, and Preparing for the Future

Speed is a critical factor for every blockchain network. When it comes to cryptocurrencies and decentralized applications, users expect instant transactions, but technical limitations often dictate otherwise. TON has announced a large-scale upgrade aimed at addressing two key challenges: minimizing transaction processing delays and increasing the network’s throughput.

The latest Optimization Roadmap outlines the primary areas of development. TON aims to reduce the delay between sending a transaction and its confirmation to 10 seconds for standard transfers and 20 seconds for decentralized exchange (DEX) operations. At the same time, the network is preparing for a projected 500 million active users by 2028, requiring an increase in overall performance to 100,000+ TPS.

TON’s optimization includes a comprehensive set of improvements: refining block generation mechanics, accelerating validator data delivery, implementing parallel transaction execution, building a new indexing infrastructure, and updating the user interface.

How TON is Reducing Latency

A key issue users face in blockchain networks is the time between sending a transaction and its confirmation. Currently, transaction delays in TON can range from 10 to 40 seconds, and the network is set to drastically reduce this number.

The first solution is “Optimistic Block” generation. In traditional blockchain models, a new block is created and finalized sequentially, which increases transaction confirmation times. TON is implementing technology that allows the processing of new blocks to begin before the previous ones are fully finalized. This can cut delays by 50% and improve network responsiveness.

Another significant improvement is accelerating the delivery of external messages to validators. Currently, before a transaction is included in a block, it must pass through multiple network nodes. TON is developing a mechanism that will allow these messages to be sent directly to validators, bypassing unnecessary intermediaries. This is expected to reduce transaction delays by 1-2 seconds, which is particularly crucial for DeFi applications.

The indexing system is also being reworked. Currently, even after a transaction is confirmed, wallet updates may be delayed. The new indexing mechanism will instantly update transaction data in applications, providing users with real-time feedback.

As part of the "Optimistic Everything" concept, the network will implement optimistic algorithms across multiple processes, not just block generation. This includes cross-shard message delivery, external message processing, and indexing improvements. This approach will help eliminate bottlenecks and maximize network speed.

Throughput: 100,000+ TPS

Increasing network speed is directly tied to scalability. TON’s roadmap sets a goal to push throughput beyond 100,000 transactions per second (TPS).

Several core changes will enable this:

The first is faster block propagation. Currently, distributing blocks across the network takes valuable seconds, and delays increase under heavy load. Developers are implementing data compression mechanisms and introducing "optimistic" block transmission, allowing validators to receive blocks immediately after they are generated, without waiting for explicit requests.

The second is parallel transaction processing. Traditional blockchains process transactions sequentially, but TON is shifting towards a model where multiple processes can execute simultaneously. This will allow nodes to handle 3-5 times more transactions while maintaining decentralization.

The third is an updated data storage model. TON is testing new sharding methods that allow token and user data to be stored more efficiently. One such solution is Extra Currency, which eliminates the need for smart contracts for token transfers within the ecosystem. This significantly reduces network load and speeds up settlements.

Technological Approaches and Competitive Analysis

TON's optimization roadmap is built not only on internal research but also on an analysis of best practices from other blockchain networks, particularly Aptos, Sui, Solana, NEAR, and Tycho.

Aptos uses DAG consensus, which eliminates strict sequential block ordering and accelerates validation. Sui employs a model where users confirm operations themselves, reducing validator workload. Solana achieves high speed by storing data in memory, but this makes the network reliant on expensive hardware.

TON is integrating several solutions from these networks while adapting them to its architecture. For example, the Proof of Availability (PoA) mechanism will ensure data accessibility before finalizing it on the blockchain. Meanwhile, separating block generation from finalization will speed up processing without compromising security.

What’s Coming to TON in the Next Few Months

In the first 1-3 months, planned updates include:

TON Accelerator, which will offload validators and redistribute network load.

Multithreaded block processing, increasing throughput and efficiency.

Optimized block propagation, reducing network infrastructure delays.

In the next 6-12 months, development will focus on:

Optimized external message delivery, ensuring transactions reach validators faster.

Parallel block generation, improving sharding performance.

Indexing updates, enabling users to instantly see transaction statuses.

Long-term research (12+ months) includes:

Expanding sidechains and workchains, tailored for high-load services (DeFi, NFT platforms, gaming applications).

Implementing DAG consensus, improving network efficiency.

Optimized data routing, enabling instant node-to-node communication.

What This Means for Users

All these upgrades are designed to make TON faster, more efficient, and more reliable. If transaction confirmations previously took 30-40 seconds, operations will now be processed almost instantly.

The network will support hundreds of thousands of transactions per second, and users will see real-time balance and transaction updates. This is particularly crucial for DeFi applications, decentralized exchanges, and services that require ultra-fast responsiveness.

At the same time, TON remains committed to decentralization and security, ensuring a balance between high throughput and network stability. TON optimization is not a one-time update, but a structured strategy that lays the foundation for the future of blockchain, adapting to a growing user base and integrating cutting-edge technological advancements.