区块链共识算法的发展现状与展望

Blockchain Consensus Algorithms: The State of the Art and Future Trends

共识算法是区块链技术的核心要素,也是近年来分布式系统研究的热点.本文系统性地梳理和讨论了区块链发展过程中的32种重要共识算法,介绍了传统分布式一致性算法以及分布式共识领域的里程碑式的重要研究和结论,提出了区块链共识算法的一种基础模型和分类方法,并总结了现有共识算法的发展脉络和若干性能指标,以期为未来共识算法的创新和区块链技术的发展提供参考.

Consensus algorithm is a key component of the blockchain technology, and also a hot topic in distributed systems research. In this paper, we systematically review and discuss 32 mainstream consensus algorithms emerged in the development process of blockchain. We introduce the classic distributed consistency algorithms, as well as the milestone research efforts and the key conclusions of distributed consensus algorithms. We also propose a novel model and classification approach of blockchain consensus algorithms. In the end, we summarize the consensus algorithms and their performance measures using an evolutionary tree. This is our preliminary research effort towards the blockchain consensus algorithm, aiming at offering useful guidance and reference for future innovation of novel consensus algorithms and the development of blockchain technology.