Hyperledger Sawtooth Consensus Algorithms
Hyperledger Sawtooth includes a modular design that allows for pluggable consensus algorithms. Some of the consensus algorithms that are supported by Sawtooth include:
- PoET (Proof of Elapsed Time): This is the default consensus algorithm in Sawtooth. It uses trusted execution environments (TEEs) to ensure that consensus is reached in a fair and efficient manner. PoET uses a random leader election process and a wait time to ensure that all participants have an equal chance of being selected as the leader.
- PBFT (Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance): This is a classic consensus algorithm that is widely used in distributed systems. It uses a replica voting process to ensure that the network reaches a consensus. PBFT is suitable for permissioned networks with a known set of participants.
- Raft: Designed for distributed systems with a high pace of change, Raft is a consensus algorithm. It makes use of a leader-based methodology and enables quick network partition recovery.
- Devmode: This straightforward consensus technique is meant for testing and development. Without requiring consensus, it enables the parallel processing of transactions.
More advanced consensus algorithms like PoA (Proof of Authority), PoS (Proof of Stake), etc can also be used with Sawtooth by installing the corresponding consensus engine.
Overall, Sawtooth’s modular design allows for the use of different consensus algorithms based on the specific requirements of the application, such as performance, security, and trust model.
Hyperledger Sawtooth in Blockchain
Hyperledger Sawtooth is a corporate blockchain platform that creates distributed ledger networks and applications. The design philosophy focuses on maintaining distributed ledgers and securing smart contracts, especially for enterprise applications. Sawtooth uses blockchain technology as a service (BaaS).
Sawtooth is very modular as well. This modularity allows companies and consortiums to decide on policy in their respective fields of competence. Applications can choose the transactional, permissioning, and consensus algorithms that best meet their unique business requirements because of Sawtooth’s fundamental design. The majority of blockchain-based systems in use today host and execute both their core and their apps on the same platform, which may have an impact on both security and performance.