Explore The Different Types Of Blockchain Network

Image Source: Chan2545, Adobe Stock Photo

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way we store and transfer data, making it more secure, transparent, and efficient. It has become increasingly popular in recent years since it can be successfully implemented in a variety of projects – from creating new digital currencies to facilitating smart contracts to enabling a wide range of applications.

But what exactly is blockchain? What are the different types of blockchain networks?

In this guide, we provide an overview of the major types of blockchains – public, private, consortium, and hybrid networks – how they work and their potential applications. Additionally, we will explore their features and discuss the benefits of each type of network so that you can make an informed decision when selecting a blockchain solution for your needs.

By the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of the various blockchain networks available and how to choose the right one for your project.

Blockchain: A Quick Breakdown

A blockchain is a decentralized, distributed digital ledger that records transactions in a secure, tamper-proof manner. It consists of a growing list of blocks, each of which contains a timestamp and transaction data.

The blocks are linked together using cryptography, and each block contains a reference to the previous one, creating a chain. This structure makes it difficult for anyone to alter or delete data in the blockchain.

Once a transaction is added to the blockchain, it cannot be changed or removed. This makes blockchain an ideal platform for storing data that needs to be immutable, such as financial transactions or medical records.

Additionally, blockchain networks can act as ​​technical infrastructure to create smart contracts – self-executing contracts that automatically enforce the terms of an agreement between parties.

Types of Blockchain Networks

There are four main types of blockchain networks: public, private, consortium, and hybrid. Each type of network has its own advantages and drawbacks; selecting the right one depends on the project’s specific needs. Let’s take a closer look at them:

Public

A public blockchain network is a permissionless network that anyone can join and participate in. This means any person can download the software and start mining new blocks or developing applications on top of the network – Bitcoin and Ethereum are examples of such blockchain networks.

Public blockchain networks are decentralized, i.e., no central authority controls the network. Instead, it is maintained by a network of nodes – devices such as computers, laptops, or servers- that store a full copy of the blockchain’s transaction history. According to Google, “nodes on a blockchain form a peer-to-peer network, constantly exchanging the latest blockchain data so that all nodes stay in sync.”

Public blockchain networks offer a high degree of transparency – all transactions are publicly available on the blockchain, and anyone can view them. They are also very secure since it is very difficult to tamper with data in the blockchain. And since they are decentralized and any central authority does not control the network, there is no single point of failure.

However, public blockchain networks can be slow because all transactions need to be verified by all nodes in the network. They can also be expensive due to the large number of nodes required to maintain the network.

Private

A private blockchain network can only be accessed by invited participants. This means that only those who have been granted permission by the network administrator can join the network and operate there.

Private blockchain networks are centralized, i.e., there is a central authority controlling the network. This authority is responsible for managing access to the network and approving new participants.

Additionally, private blockchains often use a consensus mechanism different from the one used in public blockchains. For example, they may use a proof-of-stake (POS) consensus algorithm, which is less energy-intensive than the proof-of-work (POW) algorithm used in public blockchains.

Private blockchain networks are typically faster and more scalable than public ones because fewer nodes are required to maintain the network. This makes them an excellent option for businesses that collect and store sensitive data that needs to be kept secure and private. They are also more efficient since they don’t need to incentivize miners to validate transactions.

Yet, this type of blockchain network is less secure since the central authority controls the network – the ability to alter data in the blockchain. They are also less transparent, as only authorized users can view transaction data.

Consortium

A consortium blockchain network is a permissioned network that is jointly managed by a group of organizations. As such, only those to whom the consortium has granted permission can join the network and participate in its activities.

Consortium blockchains are a semi-decentralized variation of a private network, so there is no single entity controlling them. Instead, the network is managed by a group of entities, each of which has an equal say in decisions about the network. 

Such networks are often used by businesses that need to share data with each other but do not want to give any one organization complete control over the network. For example, a consortium blockchain may be jointly managed by a group of banks.

Consortium networks offer a compromise between public and private blockchain networks. On the one hand, they are more secure than public networks since only authorized users are allowed to join the network, but this also makes them less transparent.

On the other hand, consortium networks are less secure than private ones, as multiple organizations have the ability to alter data in the blockchain.

Hybrid

A hybrid network combines features of both public and private blockchains, offering the best of both worlds. This means that the network is accessible to both invited participants and anyone who wants to join the network. Additionally, the network may be jointly managed by a group of entities or a single entity.

Such networks are safer than public ones, as only authorized users can join the network, and more transparent than private blockchain networks, as all transactions are publicly visible.

Wrapping Up: How to Choose the Right One for Your Project

When selecting a blockchain network for your project, you need to consider a number of factors, such as the nature of your project, its budget, timeline, and security requirements – along with the security, scalability, and transparency characteristics of a blockchain network you’re going to use. You also need to decide whether you want a permissionless or permissioned network.

If security is your main concern, you should choose a permissioned network such as a private or consortium blockchain. If you are looking for scalability, go for a public blockchain. And if you focus on transparency, choose a permissionless network such as a public or hybrid blockchain.

No matter your project’s requirements, there is a type of blockchain network that will suit your needs!