Ethereum: Is there actual consensus on the blockchain’s tip or only until the next block?
- 2025-02
- by Cn Vn
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Understanding Consensus on Ethereum: is it really only until the next block?
The world of blockchain and cryptocurrency can be confusing, especially when it comes to consensus. In this article, we’ll delve into the concept of consensus in the context of ethereum and explore whether’s actual agreement among the nodes on the network or if it’s only temporary until the next block.
What is consensus?
In a blockchain network, Consensus referers to the process by which nodes agrees on the state of the blockchain. This means that once a node verifies certain conditions, such as transaction validation and data consistency, it broadcasts its findings back to the network. The receiving nodes then work together to update their copies of the blockchain, ensuring that everyone has an identical copy of the current state.
Ethereum’s Consensus Mechanism
Ethereum uses proof of work (POW), a consensus algorithm developed by Vitalik Buterin. In Pow, Nodes Compete to Solve Complex Mathematical Puzzles, which requirement significant computational power. The first node to solve the puzzle wins the right to validate transactions and create new blocks.
The Scenario: Two Competing Blockchain Tips
Let’s Imagine Two Competing Blockchain Tips, Each Starting From Block A As a Parent Block. The two tips are:
- Type 1: “Block B is the correct state of affairs.”
- Type 2: “Block C is the correct state of affairs.”
Both blocks start at block a, and they diverge into different branches, with both nodes agree on their respective versions of reality.
The first FEW Blocks
In the first few blocks, we don’t know which kind is correct. The nodes are still working to verify transactions and data consistency, but neither node has reached a consensus yet. In fact, it’s possible for a node to be in a state where it thinks Block B or Block C is valid, while another node thinks the opposite.
The Next Block: A Point of Agreement
When we reach block d (let’s say), both nodes have reached a point where they agree on the blockchain state. They’ve verified all transactions and data consistency, and now they can update their copies of the blockchain to reflect this agreement.
However, at this point, it’s still possible for another block to come along and challenge the current consensus. If such a block was to be broadcast, nodes would need to verify its validity before accepting it as part of the blockchain.
The Next Few Blocks: A Further Division
After Block E (Again, Let’s Say), Both Nodes Again Reach a Point Where They Agree On The Blockchain State. But now, there’s another branch that diverges from their agreement. In this case, the next block is:
- Type 1: “Block F is the correct state of affairs.”
- Type 2: “Block g is the correct state of affairs.”
Again, both nodes have reached a point where they are agree on the blockchain state. However, it’s now possible for another block to come along and challenge this new consensus.
The Next Few Blocks: A Further Division
After Block H (Again), We See A Further Divergence:
- Type 1: “Block I is the correct state of affairs.”
- Type 2: “Block J is the correct state of affairs.”
This process continues, with each node reaching an agreement on the blockchain state in subquent blocks. However, it’s possible for another block to come along and challenge this new consensus.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, While We’ve Reached a Point Where Both Nodes Agree On The Blockchain State (Block J), There’s Still No. Actual Consensus Until The Next Block is BroadCasted. This is because each node has independently reached an agreement at different points in time, and it may take multiple blocks for them to converge.
This phenomenon is known as a “blockchain fork,” where two or more competing versions of reality diverge from a single point.
