In the ever-evolving blockchain area, tech that improves performance and user experience but can also lock in security and decentralized features is tricky to find. Yet, two such innovations, Delegated Proof of Stake (DPOS) and Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT), seem to readily meet and exceed most blockchain challenges today.

To showcase these innovations, it’s useful to focus on an example of each to better understand how these technologies drive a more efficient and user-friendly blockchain environment.

Understanding DPOS and RAM management

Since launching in 2017, the EOS Network has had a DPOS consensus model for its blockchain settlements. DPOS is a more energy-efficient alternative compared to Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS) models used by Bitcoin and Ethereum respectively.

The core idea behind DPOS is to use stakeholder approval voting to decide consensus issues in a fair and democratic way. Stakeholders elect a set number of delegates. Those delegates run blockchain operations on behalf of their voters. With the U.S. Presidential nominating conventions only months away, it’s similar to the ballot-casting process Republican and Democratic delegates use to pick the candidates on behalf of the voters from their home states.

EOS continues to innovate with the recent launch of its RAM management project to improve efficiencies across its DPOS network. With it EOS intends to lower operating costs and drive network volume by maximizing node use and sharing of RAM resources. This launch improves network scale while making it easier for new users and developers to join creating a more inclusive user experience.

Additional DPOS benefits: accessibility, scalability, decentralized

Running both POS and POW systems requires deep pockets for node validators to buy their way into either of those exclusive consensus clubs. Conversely, admission to the DPOS show is pennies on the dollar. That model allows any holder of the native token to vote for the EOS delegate of their choice to run a note - a much lower access bar to entry.

Beyond improved accessibility, DPOS has greater scalability to the more widely used consensus methods. The faster validation of DPOS blocks and transactions drives higher on-chain volume.

Unlike PoW, where the largest mining operators rule, DPOS’ novel voting mechanism ensures a more democratic and accountable governance approach than other methods. All of these elements support the compelling, innovative value of DPOS compared to POW and POS.

PBFT and how it enhances blockchain capabilities

Another novel consensus alternative is PBFT. It was introduced in 1999 as a conesus tool for old school ledgers and has experienced a virtual Renaissance in recent years. The main benefits of PBFT compared to POS and POW are that its algorithm enables beefed up security and scalability. Several projects use versions of PBFT on their respective platforms including Solana, XRP, and Chromia.

Chromia introduced its unique relational blockchain with an adapted version of the PBFT protocol, known as enhanced BFT (eBFT), to achieve consensus. This protocol involves multiple nodes validating transactions and blocks, ensuring that all participating nodes reach a majority agreement before any block is added to the blockchain improving scale and reliability.

Additional benefits: efficiency, interoperability, security

Chromia’s innovative structure allows for more efficient data handling and transaction processing, making it ideal for complex applications like gaming and financial services where speed and data integrity are critical. The unique construct into relational databases also enables easier cross-chain integration and communication.

And the eBFT model enhances security because it requires unanimous consensus from all validating nodes, which greatly lowers the risk of successful network attack.