Consensus Nodes

Consensus nodes are the participants in a blockchain network responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the integrity of the ledger. They follow the rules of the consensus algorithm to ensure that all participants have a consistent view of the state of the network.

In Proof of Work, these nodes are miners; in Proof of Stake, they are validators. Their role is to propose, verify, and finalize blocks, thereby providing the security and immutability of the chain.

The distribution and performance of these nodes directly impact the security, decentralization, and speed of the network. A diverse and robust set of consensus nodes is essential for a resilient blockchain architecture that can support complex financial derivatives.