Distributed register architecture and technology

The Webinar Universe training platform is an excellent way to learn all the most important information about blockchain issues. One of these is the architecture of the technology in question. It consists of five layers, each of which performs specific functions. These are:
The hardware layer - refers to the physical technologies and devices on which blockchain is operated and deployed. It includes the servers, computers, network devices and other hardware that make up the aforementioned network. The data stored on the blockchain is hosted by data servers. Computers on the network can share it with each other. This leads to a peer-to-peer network, where information is verified by the individual nodes of the network. Data layer - represents data stored in blocks on the blockchain system. These relate to transactions, smart contracts or other applications running on the technology. The data layer is the backbone of the blockchain, guaranteeing its security, decentralisation, transparency and independence. Here, all transactions are stored in blocks, in the data layer, and each block is linked to the previous one. The exception is the so-called Genesis block which is the first block on the blockchain and does not contain the password of the previous block.

Network layer - is responsible for data transfer and communication between nodes on the blockchain network. This layer includes peer-to-peer network communication protocols, allowing them to inform each other about new blocks and transactions in the system. It allows them to find each other, interact, propagate and synchronise, in order to keep the blockchain network up-to-date and legitimate. The network layer plays a key role when it comes to the efficiency, effectiveness and security of the blockchain system.

Consensus layer - is the mechanism through which agreement on the current state of the network can be reached. This layer is designed to ensure that all nodes on the network are in agreement with the current state of the blockchain and can operate with the same data. There are many different variants of the consensus algorithm that are used within the network in question. The most popular are Proof of Work (POW), Proof of Stake (POS) and Delegated Proof of Stake (DpoS). Consensus algorithms are usually chosen based on the specific requirements and needs of the blockchain in question. The consensus layer has an impact on maintaining the security of the system. It ensures that all nodes have the identical current state of the blockchain. This layer is also crucial for maintaining the decentralisation of the system. Thanks to it, no single node has control over the network. Application layer - represents the layer that enables the blockchain network to be used in practice. Thanks to it, developers can use its features such as security, centralisation or transparency to create a new generation of applications and services. This layer finds applications in e-commerce, financial services or healthcare.

Networks and peer-to-peer

The Webinar Universe training platform provides the materials necessary to understand the most important concepts related to blockchain. One of these is peer-to-peer (person-to-person). This is a model of communication in a computer network, where tasks are distributed among people who are equal in terms of authority. Members of a peer-to-peer network interact directly with each other, without the intermediation of a central server. The more members there are, the more efficient the network is.

As far as blockchain technology is concerned, it is based on the principle of dispersing information between multiple devices via the aforementioned peer-to-peer network. Each device holds a copy of the blockchain, i.e. a sequence of stored transactions. Consequently, in order for a transaction to be finally recorded, it must be confirmed by the majority of nodes. In this way, blockchain is immune to tampering by individual users or organisations, making it one of the most secure ways of recording and processing data.

Transaction system

The online learning offered by the Webinar Universe platform also provides an understanding of how the blockchain transaction system works. It is defined as the act of transferring a digital value from one address to another. These are, on the one hand, publicly known and, on the other, anonymous, i.e. without any reference to their real owner. The type of transaction carried out with a blockchain-based system depends on its purpose. Each one contains a minimum of three pieces of information. These are: the address of the sender, the address of the recipient and the quantification of the digital value transferred. Transactions are a fundamental element of any blockchain. The information on each of them is available to all interested users, making it impossible to tamper with the chain in any way.

The block and its chain

As cryptocurrencies are decentralised, control over them is through blockchains, which are public databases or digital ledgers for various transactions. In the simplest terms, these can be defined as virtual chains consisting of blocks, each of which contains data on the most recent transaction and previous transactions in the other blocks. This is how the blocks are linked together in chains. Chains of blocks are managed via a peer-to-peer network. They can be understood as a distributed ledger in which transfers between different parties are stored and verified. Blockchains are not only used in cryptocurrencies. They also work very well in commerce, the financial sector, healthcare, the transport industry or the field of government services.

Blockchain is a network with an open architecture that is devoid of a central point. This design makes it fully secure. Encrypted data is stored in many places at once and open to any user. The best way to learn all you need to know about blockchain architecture is through theWebinar Universe training platform, which allows you to learn online without leaving your home.