Proof of Authority (PoA)
A consensus method where a few approved validators secure the chain based on their known identity.
Proof of authority replaces raw computing power or staked capital with vetted identity. A small set of approved validators take turns producing blocks. Their reputation is the collateral; misbehave, and you get removed and publicly shamed.
PoA is fast and cheap because it skips the heavy math of mining. The catch is centralization. With a handful of known validators, the network is only as trustworthy as those parties. BNB Chain and many corporate or test networks have used variants of it.
Related terms
The rules a decentralized network follows to agree on one valid history without trusting any central party.
Proof of Stake (PoS)A consensus method where validators lock up coins as collateral instead of burning electricity to secure the chain.
Permissioned BlockchainA closed blockchain where a known operator controls who may join and validate transactions.