The core team has tagged Validator 1.9.1 mandatory release has been tagged and is ready for general availability.
This release will allow the approved HIP 55 https://github.com/helium/HIP/blob/main/0055-validator-challenges.md chain variable to be activated and prepare for the activation of Light Hotspots.
We request Validator Hosters to upgrade to v1.9.1 by 2022-05-11 00:00 UTC for Light Hotspot chain variable support and help ensure the network can continue normal operations.
For this update ensure that port 8080 is open.
From the HIP:
Validator Challenges move the role of generating Challenges to the Validator pool. This not only allows us to free Hotspots from the burden of following the blockchain but it also moves the entities initiating Challenges to machines with much more stable and predictable networking which reduces the likelihood of connectivity failures.
Hotspots can become clients of Validators to learn about blockchain updates in general, whether or not they're currently being challenged, and where to deliver Witness receipts.
Complete list of changes:
https://gist.github.com/evanmcc/d3c45f01e7512f1bfa3cc6c6fc2a5571