> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.arc.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Network deployment model

> Arc's phased network rollout moves from devnet through public testnet to mainnet, with permissioned validators and permissionless developer access at every stage.

Arc follows a phased deployment model, progressively expanding network access
and decentralization. The Public Testnet is the current active network, and
developer access is permissionless at every phase: you can deploy contracts and
send transactions without approval.

## Deployment phases

| Phase               | Status   | Description                                                                                                                  |
| :------------------ | :------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Devnet**          | Internal | Internal protocol testing -- Circle's development network for protocol iteration. Not publicly accessible.                   |
| **Private Testnet** | Complete | Invitation-only testnet used for early integration testing with select partners.                                             |
| **Public Testnet**  | Live     | Mirrors mainnet behavior without using real assets. Permissionless testnet (chain ID `5042002`) available to all developers. |
| **Private Mainnet** | Upcoming | Production network where real value flows. Initial launch with approximately 20 permissioned validators and limited access.  |
| **Public Mainnet**  | Upcoming | Full public mainnet with open access for all users and applications.                                                         |

For connection details, see [RPC endpoints](/arc/references/rpc-endpoints). To
explore testnet activity, visit
[testnet.arcscan.app](https://testnet.arcscan.app).

## Testnet performance

The Public Testnet has demonstrated production-grade performance since launch.
The following metrics are from the Q1 2026 monthly review.

| Metric                 | Value                                              |
| :--------------------- | :------------------------------------------------- |
| **Uptime**             | 100%                                               |
| **Average block time** | \~0.48 s                                           |
| **Transactions**       | \~30.7M                                            |
| **Unique wallets**     | 916K                                               |
| **Block explorer**     | [testnet.arcscan.app](https://testnet.arcscan.app) |

## Validator model at launch

Arc launches with a **permissioned Proof-of-Authority (PoA)** validator set -- a
consensus model in which a fixed group of known, vetted institutions produce and
validate blocks, rather than anonymous participants staking tokens.
Approximately 20 SOC 2-certified validators operate across multiple global
regions, each bound by uptime SLAs and compliance obligations. Block production
rotates among validators to ensure fairness and liveness.

For full details on the validator set, see
[Consensus layer](/arc/concepts/consensus-layer#proof-of-authority-validator-set).

## Future evolution

Arc may transition from Proof-of-Authority to a **permissioned Proof-of-Stake
(PoS)** model -- a consensus mechanism where validators lock tokens as
collateral rather than relying solely on institutional selection. This broadens
validator participation while maintaining the compliance requirements and
institutional accountability that define the network. See the
[consensus layer roadmap](/arc/concepts/consensus-layer#roadmap) for details.