A measure of the decentralization of blockchain
Decentralization refers to the distribution of control and decision-making within a network, rather than the concentration of power in the hands of a single central authority. Unlike centralized systems, where one organization or individual manages everything, decentralized blockchain networks distribute data among numerous participants (nodes). Each node has a copy of the transaction ledger, ensuring transparency and reducing the risk of manipulation or system failure.
In the world of blockchain, a decentralized network brings a number of key benefits:
- Security: By removing the central point of attack, the network becomes more resilient to malicious compromise attempts.
- Transparency: All transactions are recorded on a public ledger accessible to all participants, thus strengthening trust in the system.
- Fault tolerance: Even if some nodes fail, the network remains functional thanks to a distributed structure.
However, decentralization is not a static state – it is a continuous spectrum that changes with the growth of the network, changes in the governance structure, and the development of consensus mechanisms. And yes, there is a way to measure the level of decentralization. It’s called the Nakamoto coefficient.
Source: cointelegraph
What is Nakamoto Coefficient?
The Nakamoto coefficient is a measure that quantifies the level of decentralization of a blockchain network. It represents the smallest number of independent entities — such as validators, miners, or node operators — that would need to work together to be able to interfere with or compromise the normal functioning of the network.
This concept was introduced in 2017 by the former technical director of Coinbase, Balaji Srinivasan, and was named after the creator of Bitcoin – Satoshi Nakamoto.
The higher the Nakamoto coefficient, the more decentralized and secure the network is. In such systems, control is more evenly distributed among a larger number of participants, making it difficult for any small group to manipulate or attack the network. On the other hand, a lower Nakamoto coefficient means that fewer entities have more influence, which increases the risk of centralization and network vulnerability.
For example, a blockchain with a Nakamoto coefficient of 1 would be highly centralized – one organization would be enough to take control of the network. In contrast, a network with a coefficient of 10 would require the association of at least ten independent entities in order to be able to compromise its security, indicating a higher degree of decentralization.
Source: cointelegraph
How is the Nakamoto coefficient calculated?
Calculating the Nakamoto coefficient involves several key steps:
- Identify key entities: First, you need to identify the main actors in the network – these can be mining pools, validators, node operators, or shareholders. These are entities that play an important role in the functioning and security of the network.
- Assess the level of control: The next step is to analyze how much control each of these entities has over the network. For example, in proof-of-work (PoW) blockchains like Bitcoin, this involves examining the distribution of computing power (hashrate) among mining pools. In Proof-of-Stake (PoS) systems, the distribution of stake among validators is analyzed.
- Summing up to a threshold of 51%: Once the impact of individual entities is evaluated, they are ranked from most influential to less influential. Then, their percentages are added together cumulatively until the total amount exceeds 51%. The number of entities required to pass this threshold is represented by the Nakamoto coefficient.
For example, let’s imagine a PoW blockchain with the following hashrate distribution among mining pools:
- Pool A: 25%
- Pool B: 20%
- Pool C: 15%
- Pool D: 10%
- Other: 30%
Let’s start in order: Pool A has 25%, we add Pool B (45% total), then Pool C (60% total). Since these three pools together exceed 51%, Nakamoto’s odds are 3. This means that the network could be compromised if only these three entities were to come together.
Fun fact: Although Bitcoin is often considered a symbol of decentralization, its mining infrastructure is quite centralized. Currently, Nakamoto’s odds for Bitcoin are just 2 – meaning that only two mining pools control most of the computing power in the network. However, it is important to note that it is extremely unlikely that these two or any other two mining abysses will merge.
Source: cointelegraph
Limitations of the Nakamoto coefficient
While the Nakamoto coefficient represents a valuable tool for assessing the level of decentralization of blockchain networks, it is important to keep in mind its limitations.
Static image
The Nakamoto coefficient only gives a current cross-section of the state – it shows the minimum number of entities needed to compromise the network at a given time. But blockchain networks are dynamic: participants switch roles, there is a shift in computing power or shares, and nodes come and go. Because of this, the coefficient can quickly become obsolete and do not reflect the real circumstances.
Focus on subsets
This metric most often focuses on specific subsystems, such as mining pools or validators, ignoring other important aspects of decentralization. For example, the diversity of software clients, the geographical distribution of nodes, and the concentration of token ownership also have a significant impact on the security and decentralization of the network.
Variations in consensus mechanisms
Different blockchain networks use different consensus mechanisms, which shape decentralization in different ways. The Nakamoto coefficient is not universally applicable to all of these systems and often requires adjustment in the measurement mode.
External influences
Regulatory changes, technological advancements, and market trends can also affect the decentralization of the network. For example, laws in certain countries may restrict the operation of nodes or mining operations, thus changing the structure of the network – and these factors are not necessarily included in the coefficient.
In conclusion, while the Nakamoto coefficient offers useful insight into certain aspects of decentralization, it should not be viewed in isolation. For a complete picture, it is necessary to combine this metric with other quantitative indicators and qualitative analyses to truly understand the decentralization and security of a blockchain network.
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