4 Types of Blockchains

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Blockchain

‍Without question, blockchains have progressed significantly during the last decade. It all started with bitcoin, which provided the first sort of blockchain: public blockchain. Bitcoin’s blockchain can also be considered the first generation of blockchain technology.

Right now, there are several varieties of blockchain technology, each of which serves a certain purpose and addresses a specific problem or group of problems. More importantly, many businesses are incorporating them into their operations in order to maximise the benefits.

What is Blockchain?

Public Blockchains

The public blockchain is the first type of blockchain technology. This is where Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies like it were born, and where they helped to popularise distributed ledger technology (DLT). The drawback of centralisation such as lack of security and transparency are eliminated because of blockchain being decentralised.

DLT distributes data throughout a peer-to-peer network rather than storing all the data in one location bolstering security. Because of its decentralised nature, it necessitates some method of data authentication. That approach is a consensus algorithm that allows blockchain participants to agree on the present state of the ledger. Two common consensus approaches are proof of work (PoW) and proof of stake (PoS).

What makes a blockchain platform so useful is that anyone can join and become a node, making public blockchain non-restrictive and permissionless. This user has access to current and historical records, as well as the ability to perform mining operations, which are sophisticated calculations required to verify transactions and add them to the ledger. On the network, it is not possible to alter any data on the network, and because the source code is usually open source, this means any node can verify the transactions, uncover errors, and offer fixes.

Mining and exchanging cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin is the most prevalent use case for public blockchains. It can, however, be used to create a permanent record with a traceable chain of custody, such as electronic notarization of affidavits and public property ownership records. This sort of blockchain is appropriate for organisations that value transparency and trust, such as non-governmental organisations and social assistance groups.

Advantages

One of the benefits of public blockchains is that they are fully independent of organisations. This means that even if the organisation that began it goes out of business, the public blockchain will continue to function as long as computers are linked to it.

The network’s transparency is another benefit of public blockchains. Public blockchains are mostly secure as long as users adhere to strict security regulations and practises.

Disadvantages

The network might be slow, and businesses can’t control who has access to it or how they use it. Hackers can unilaterally alter a public blockchain network if they gain 51 percent or more of its computer power, according to Godefroy.

Additionally, public blockchains do not scale effectively. As additional nodes join the network, it slows down.

What is Blockchain?

Private Blockchains

A private blockchain is a blockchain network that is usually controlled by a single person or group and operates in a closed network, which is a restricted environment. While it functions similarly to a public blockchain network in terms of peer-to-peer connectivity and decentralisation, a private blockchain is typically on a smaller scale to a public blockchain. Private blockchains are often run on a small network within a company or organisation. Private blockchains are also known as permissioned blockchains and business blockchains.

Due to the high speed of a private blockchain, they are appropriate for situations when the blockchain must be cryptographically secure yet the controlling entity does not want the information to be viewed by the general public.

Advantages

Permission levels, security, authorisations, and accessibility are all determined by the controlling organisation. Setting up your own private network, for example, means you can choose which nodes have access to view, contribute, or update data.

Third parties also can be blocked access into the network.

Private blockchains can be incredibly fast and execute transactions significantly faster than public blockchains due to their smaller size.

Disadvantages

The contentious assertion that private blockchains aren’t actual blockchains, given the underlying principle of blockchain is decentralisation, is one of the disadvantages of private blockchains.

Because centralised nodes determine what is valid, it is also more difficult to fully build information trust.

A minimal number of nodes can also imply a lower level of security. The consensus mechanism can be jeopardised if a few nodes go rogue.

4 Types of Blockchain

Hybrid Blockchains

Organisations who desire the best of both worlds will sometimes employ hybrid blockchain, a type of blockchain that includes characteristics of both private and public blockchain. A hybrid blockchain enables businesses to set up a private, permission-based system as well as a public, permissionless system. This setup controls access to specific data on the blockchain and decides what information becomes public. In this type of blockchain, transactions and records are generally kept private but can be verified when needed, for instance, through access granted by a smart contract. While the network safeguards confidential information, it remains available for necessary verification. Even if a private entity owns the hybrid blockchain, it still does not have the power to modify transactions.

A user who joins a hybrid blockchain network has complete access to the network. Unless a node begins to engage in a transaction, their identity will not be shared with other users. Post-engagement, the other party will be informed of the identity of the member.

Real estate is one of the many potential uses for hybrid blockchain. Companies can utilise a hybrid blockchain to run systems securely while exposing certain information to the public, such as listings. Retailers may use hybrid blockchain to improve the efficiency in their operations, and highly regulated industries like financial services can profit from the use of hybrid blockchains as well. Governments might potentially use it to keep citizen data in a secure manner while sharing it with other organisations.

Advantages

One of the major advantages of hybrid blockchain is that it operates within a closed environment, preventing outside hackers from launching a 51 percent attack on the network (meaning they have majority control). It also safeguards privacy while allowing third-party contact. Transactions are inexpensive and quick, and it scales better than a public blockchain network.

Disadvantages

Because information can be hidden, this type of blockchain isn’t totally visible which can put some potential members off. Upgrading can be difficult, and users have no motivation to engage in or contribute to the network.

Consortium BlockchainsBlockchain Types

Also known as a federated blockchain, Consortium blockchain is similar to a hybrid blockchain in that it combines private and public blockchain capabilities. However, it differs in that it involves various organisational members working together on a decentralised network. In essence, a consortium blockchain is a private blockchain with restricted access to a specific group, removing the potential hazards associated with a private blockchain controlled by a single business.

Consensus methods are regulated by preset nodes in a consortium blockchain. It has a validator node, which is responsible for ensuring that the process of initiating, receiving, and validating transactions runs smoothly. Transactions can be received or initiated by member nodes.

This sort of blockchain can be used for banking and payments. Different banks can join forces to establish a consortium, with the consortium determining which nodes will validate the transactions. It’s perfect for supply chains, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Advantages

In comparison to a public blockchain network, a consortium blockchain is more secure, scalable, and efficient. It also has access controls, just like private and hybrid blockchains.

Disadvantages

In comparison to public blockchain, consortium blockchain is less transparent. If someone compromises a member node, they can still hack it, and the blockchain’s rules themselves might render the network unusable.

For more information on blockchain, check out our post on Blockchain and the Future of PropTech Tokenisation. And if you’re a blockchain startup and interested in how we could help you, visit our Web3 page.

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Amit Khanna

Amit Khanna, 7startup Founder

Amit is an investor and advisor with two decades of experience and an MBA. He supports entrepreneurs with fundraising & go-to-market expansion in Saudi Arabia. His strategy is built on two pillars: deep investment acumen and a vast operational network. Reach out to us today and see if we’re a fit!

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