Comparing Core Consensus mechanisms for Education Blockchains

Abstract

Blockchain being a decentralized system relies on verifying transactions via a majority of nodes on the network. This verification is what validates the creation of blocks on the blockchain. The verification is done via a concept called consensus. This paper discusses the core consensus mechanisms used in different blockchain networks that apply to education. They include Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS). The paper outlines the concepts involved, the challenges that the mechanisms pose to the network and the overall efficiency of the system when used in educational activities. This paper notes the consensus challenges that directly affect academic activities and proposes possible solutions that could be imbibed for a more efficient system. It endorses DPoS as the consensus mechanism of choice for blockchains in the educational system.