Consensus Mechanisms

Canto Blockchain Upgrade to Address Ongoing Outage

Monday. August 12 at 10:30 AM

1 min. read

Canto, a Cosmos-based layer-1 blockchain, is set to undergo an upgrade on Aug. 12 to resolve a 33-hour outage caused by a consensus issue. Launched in August 2022, Canto is a permissionless blockchain for DeFi applications, compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine. The blockchain has been inactive for over a day, with the last transaction recorded on Aug. 11. Despite the outage, Canto assures users that their funds are safe and normal functions will resume once the consensus problem is fixed. The team plans to migrate to the Ethereum Network in September 2023 but reversed the decision in March 2024 to remain a layer-1 blockchain. Activity on the blockchain peaked in February 2023 but has since declined, currently ranking as the 80th largest blockchain by total value locked.

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Understanding Blockchain Nodes and Their Role in Decentralization

Tuesday. December 10 at 6:00 PM

Blockchain networks consist of nodes that maintain the network structure, store, verify, and send data. These nodes play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and security of exchanges within the network. They are classified based on their functions and roles, varying across different blockchain systems. For instance, in Bitcoin, nodes verify transactions, while in Ethereum, they confirm transactions through staking. The consensus mechanism, whether Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS), dictates how nodes operate to maintain network integrity. Owning a blockchain node requires interest, expertise, and resources, with examples including Ethereum, Polygon, and Avalanche protocols. While running nodes may pose security risks and resource demands, they contribute to network integrity and decentralization. Understanding the types and functions of blockchain nodes is essential for individuals entering the crypto industry, as they are fundamental to blockchain networks and support community-driven decentralization.

Consensus Mechanisms

Resignation of Ethereum Researcher Justin Drake from Eigen Foundation

Sunday. November 3 at 5:30 AM

In November 2024, Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake announced his resignation from the Eigen Foundation, which oversees the Eigenlayer restaking protocol. Drake had stepped down from his advisor position in September 2024 and also left the Ultra Sound team. He expressed his desire to focus on developing Ethereum's layer-1 network, specifically its consensus layer, instead of taking on roles in other projects. The controversy began in May 2024 when Drake accepted a paid advisory position at Eigen Foundation, receiving millions of dollars worth of EIGEN tokens. This sparked backlash from the Ethereum community, leading to the drafting of a conflict-of-interest policy by the Ethereum Foundation. The move by Drake and fellow researcher Dankrad Feist to advise EigenLayer raised concerns about conflicts of interest within the Ethereum community. The incident raised questions about the integrity of blockchain innovation in the context of Ethereum restaking.

Consensus Mechanisms

Understanding Cryptocurrency Transaction Verification

Friday. October 25 at 6:00 AM

Cryptocurrency transactions are verified through consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS). In PoW, miners solve mathematical puzzles to validate transactions, while in PoS, validators are chosen based on their coin holdings. Verified transactions are added to the blockchain, ensuring transparency and security. Nodes validate transactions to prevent double-spending and confirm ownership. The process involves transaction initiation, propagation, validation, block inclusion, consensus, and blockchain addition. Nodes play a crucial role in maintaining the network and verifying transactions. Consensus mechanisms like PoW and PoS ensure transaction security. Other mechanisms like DPoS and PBFT also exist. Transaction verification differs from confirmation, with the latter ensuring transaction finality. Using cryptocurrencies for payments offers benefits like reduced fees, global transfers, privacy, security, and innovation support.

Consensus Mechanisms

Advancements in Cardano Protocols Development

Wednesday. October 16 at 2:30 AM

Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, has announced significant progress in the development and research of new protocols. Hoskinson revealed that Ouroboros Peras, an enhancement to the existing Ouroboros Praos protocol, is well-prototyped and moving towards practical implementation. The protocol introduces a voting layer for fast settlement of transactions, addressing the probabilistic nature of block settlement in Praos. Ouroboros Peras aims to provide rapid confirmation for transactions, especially crucial for scenarios requiring high assurance in a short time frame. Furthermore, the development team is now focusing on Ouroboros Leios, a new variant within the Ouroboros family, dedicated to increasing throughput while maintaining security properties. Leios also aims to incorporate modern features into the Cardano blockchain. These advancements signify a shift towards practical application and innovation within the Cardano network, with ADA trading at $0.3611.

Consensus Mechanisms