More and more people are becoming interested in cryptocurrency.
This article is written for beginners who are just starting to learn the crypto world and we want to help you a little. As you might have guessed, it will be about consensus algorithms.
On the blockchain market, there are a lot of consensus algorithms allowing us to choose who is the most relevant node for signing the next block. Some of them are well known and used often, such as PoW, and some only trying to break a place “under the sun”.
What is the consensus algorithms?
Each cryptocurrency has a blockchain, which is the main work that is controlled by a consensus-building mechanism. The objective of this algorithm is to record information in the blockchain, as well as to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the cryptocurrency network.
Data on transactions in cryptocurrencies are recorded in the blockchain, and then can not be changed. A consensus mechanism verifies the validity of these transactions. The peculiarity of this principle is that the confirmation of the information from each transaction should be provided to 51% of participants in the network. The consensus algorithm should be made in such a way as to ensure the stable operation of the network.
Here are the most popular varieties of consensus algorithms.
Proof-of-Work (PoW)
Thanks to bitcoin, the PoW consensus algorithm is the best-known way to confirm transactions. The main idea is that the nodes of the blockchain network, confirming transactions, do complex computational work, the result of which would be easily and quickly checked by other nodes of the network.
The first node that has fully performed all the necessary calculations receives a reward from the blockchain network. All nodes are struggling with each other (increasing the capacity of computing resources) to be a node that received a reward.
Disadvantages of this algorithm:
- senseless energy costs — a large number of nodes produce calculations, but in reality only one (the first) conducts successful work and receives a reward. This is the main reason for creating new consensus algorithms.
Proof-of-Stake (PoS)
One of the most popular consensus algorithms in blockchain networks. In this algorithm, the creator of the next block in the blockchain selects a node that has a larger balance — the number of resources, such as coins in the cryptocurrency. For the creation of the block itself, the node does not receive a reward. The reward is paid for the transaction.
Possible node selection options:
- randomly from the most “rich” nodes;
- randomly from the oldest nodes.
Disadvantages of this algorithm:
- motivation, in the concentration of funds, which can lead to the centralization of the network.
Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS)
One of the varieties of the Proof-Of-Stake consensus algorithm, in which blocks are signed by selected representatives. The owners of the largest balances choose their representatives, each of whom has the right to sign blocks in the blockchain network. Each representative with one or more percent of all votes goes to the Council. From the formed “Board of Directors” is selected (in a circle) the next representative, who will sign the next block. In the event that for any reason the representative has missed his turn in the signing, he is deprived of the delegated votes and leaves the “Board of Directors”, after which the next most suitable candidate is chosen in his place.
Owners of balance sheets delegating the votes, in no way lose control over them as at any time can withdraw them from the representative.
Leased Proof-of-Stake (LPoS)
LPoS is another modification of the Proof-of-Stake algorithm. It is supported only by the Waves platform. As part of this algorithm, any user has the ability to transfer their balance to rent mining nodes, and for this mining nodes share part of the profits with users. This consensus algorithm allows you to get income from mining activities without using mining itself.
Proof-of-Importance (PoI)
The consensus algorithm used blockchain platform NEM. The importance of each user in the NEM network is defined as the amount of funds available to him on the balance sheet and the number of transactions made from/to his wallet. Unlike the more usual PoS, which takes into account only the balance of the user’s available funds, PoI takes into account both the amount of funds and the user’s activity in the blockchain network. This approach involves users not only to hodl funds, but also to actively use them.
Proof-of-Authority (PoAuthority)
PoA consensus algorithm stands apart from other algorithms, because it does not need to have any mining at all, as in the case of PoW or PoS. In a PoAuthority-based blockchain network, all transactions and blocks are verified through approved accounts (validators). Conducting transactions and creating blocks takes place automatically using the computing power of the validator.
The negative point of using this algorithm:
- as it is clear from the description — the key persons are validators, which leads to centralization. Probably in some cases, in private networks and with the help of fully (as far as possible) trusted accounts, it makes sense.
Did you find this information useful?
Which algorithm do you like the most?
If we forgot to mention something, feel free to correct :)
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