Glossary

A consensus mechanism, also known as a consensus protocol, allows a distributed system of computers to work together and stay secure. There are many different types of consensus mechanisms, but the most common are proof of work (PoW) and proof of stake (PoS).

What’s a good example of a consensus mechanism? 

 are the most well-known consensus mechanisms, thanks to the popularity of the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks. However, they are by means the only consensus mechanisms powering the blockchain ecosystem.

What Does “Consensus” Mean in Crypto?

Let’s start with the most obvious question: What does 

 mean in the first place? Well, consensus is the process of agreeing on a single, shared version of the truth. In a blockchain network, consensus is necessary to ensure that all nodes agree on the state of the blockchain. That’s essential for preventing 

and for maintaining the network’s integrity.

The term “consensus mechanism” refers to a process for reaching an agreement among a group of 

 in a network. The goal of a consensus mechanism is to ensure that all of the nodes in a network agree on the state of the blockchain.

Consensus mechanisms are a crucial requirement for the proper function of any blockchain protocol. They're responsible for weeding out invalid transactions, ensuring high security levels for users, and making sure that each action is checked and validated in a matter of milliseconds.

There are many different types of consensus mechanisms, but as mentioned previously, the most common are 

The concept of consensus mechanisms isn't actually new. The technology is based on a theoretical problem outlined by scientists more than 40 years ago. Called the 

, it poses the question of whether it's possible to form a consensus in a PC network that comprises independent nodes. Consensus mechanisms present the answer to that proposed question.

There are many different types of consensus mechanisms, but the most common are proof of work and proof of stake.

 is the most common type of consensus mechanism. In a PoW system, nodes must solve a cryptographic puzzle in order to add a new block to the blockchain. The difficulty of the puzzle is adjusted so that it takes an 

. That means that, on average, a new block is added to the blockchain every 10 minutes.

is a newer type of consensus mechanism. In a PoS system, nodes aren’t required to solve a cryptographic puzzle. Instead, they can stake their tokens in order to validate transactions. The more tokens a node has staked, the more likely it is to be chosen to validate a transaction. In simple terms, a PoS system is more energy-efficient than a PoW system.

is a consensus mechanism that’s still in development. In a proof of burn system, nodes must 

 a certain amount of tokens in order to add a new block to the blockchain. The idea behind proof of burn is that it will create an incentive for nodes to validate transactions. The more tokens a node burns, the more likely it is to be chosen to validate a transaction.

 model, digital storages such as hard disks are used to store solutions to complex mathematical equations. This storage process is called 

. After a hard disk is filled with the solutions to equations, users can utilize it to produce blocks.

The PoA method uses a reputation-based model for validating transactions and generating new blocks. More often than not, validators within a PoA consensus are users that have been hand-picked by other high-ranking network users to act as moderators.

Not to be confused with the aforementioned proof of authority, which uses the same abbreviation, proof of activity combines the PoW and PoS protocols, allowing users to mine and stake their tokens to validate the blocks in a blockchain’s network.

Now that you have an overview of how consensus mechanisms work, find out more about the 

Consensus Mechanism

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