Proof of Authority is a consensus mechanism used in some blockchain networks where a small number of approved participants, known as validators, are given the authority to create new blocks and verify transactions. Unlike systems that rely on mining or staking, Proof of Authority depends on the reputation and identity of the validators. This method…
Sybil resistance is a set of techniques used to prevent or limit the impact of fake or duplicate identities in online systems. Without these protections, one person could create many accounts to unfairly influence votes, gain rewards, or disrupt services. Sybil resistance helps ensure that each user is unique and prevents abuse from people pretending…
The Beacon Chain is a core part of Ethereum’s transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake. It acts as a new consensus layer, helping keep the network secure and managing the process of validating transactions and blocks. The Beacon Chain went live in December 2020 and later merged with the main Ethereum network to coordinate validators and…
Fork choice rules are the guidelines a blockchain network uses to decide which version of the blockchain is the correct one when there are multiple competing versions. These rules help nodes agree on which chain to follow, ensuring that everyone is working with the same history of transactions. Without fork choice rules, disagreements could cause…
Decentralised Oracle Networks are systems that connect blockchains to external data sources, allowing smart contracts to access real-world information securely. Instead of relying on a single data provider, these networks use multiple independent nodes to fetch and verify data, reducing the risk of errors or manipulation. This approach ensures that data entering a blockchain is…
Layer 0 protocols are foundational technologies that enable the creation and connection of multiple blockchain networks. They provide the basic infrastructure on which other blockchains, known as Layer 1s, can be built and interact. By handling communication and interoperability between different chains, Layer 0 protocols make it easier to transfer data and assets across separate…
Cross-chain interoperability is the ability for different blockchain networks to communicate and share information or assets with each other. This means users can move data or tokens across separate blockchains without needing a central exchange or authority. It helps create a more connected and flexible blockchain ecosystem, making it easier for projects and users to…
Atomic swaps are a method that allows people to exchange one type of cryptocurrency for another directly, without needing a trusted third party such as an exchange. The process uses smart contracts to ensure that both sides of the trade happen at the same time, or not at all, making it secure for both parties….
Verifiable Delay Functions, or VDFs, are special mathematical puzzles that require a certain amount of time to solve, no matter how much computing power is used, but their solutions can be checked quickly by anyone. They are designed so that even with many computers working together, the minimum time to solve the function cannot be…
Multi-Party Computation, or MPC, is a method that allows several people or organisations to work together on a calculation using their own private data, without revealing that data to each other. Each participant only learns the result of the computation, not the other parties’ inputs. This makes it possible to collaborate securely, even if there…