Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS)
A variant where coin holders vote for a small set of delegates who produce blocks on their behalf.
Delegated proof of stake adds an election. Rather than every staker validating, holders vote with their coins for a limited number of delegates, who take turns producing blocks. EOS and Tron use this model.
The trade-off is plain. Fewer block producers means faster, cheaper transactions, but power concentrates in a handful of elected nodes. Critics call that a step away from real decentralization.
Related terms
A consensus method where validators lock up coins as collateral instead of burning electricity to secure the chain.
ValidatorA participant in a proof-of-stake network that proposes and confirms blocks, putting staked coins at risk for honesty.
StakingLocking up tokens to help secure a proof-of-stake network and earn rewards, similar to interest on a deposit.
DecentralizationSpreading control and data across many independent participants so no single party can dictate or shut things down.