Topic: Explaining Modular Blockchains (using Prom Network as an example) (Read 32 times)

As blockchain technology evolves, understanding different architectural models becomes crucial.
Allow me to describe the two primary types of blockchain architecture and explain why I strongly favour modular architecture.
Maybe someone will find it helpful.

I have learned this by studying to become a future Prom Network Validator, so I will be using the Prom Network as a reference point.

The first thing to understand is that blockchain technology can be structured in various ways to meet different objectives. The two primary models are monolithic and modular blockchains. Recognizing these models helps in understanding how they manage transaction processing, scalability, and security.

The modular blockchain architecture employed by Prom Network and other projects differs significantly from the traditional monolithic approach of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Monolithic blockchains, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, integrate all functions within a single layer. This design simplifies the architecture but can lead to scalability issues as the network grows.

In contrast, modular blockchains like the Prom Network separate functions into specialized layers, each optimized independently, offering greater flexibility and efficiency. The execution layer processes transactions, executes smart contracts, performs computations, and manages the blockchain's state. The settlement layer finalizes transactions, ensuring their immutability and coordinating with the execution layer. The data availability layer ensures that the necessary data for transaction validation and execution is accessible and efficiently distributed across the network. The consensus layer achieves network-wide agreement on transaction order and validity, using mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS) to maintain consistency and security.

Modular architecture offers several advantages, including enhanced scalability by separating the execution and consensus layers, allowing rollups to bundle multiple transactions and reduce the main network's load. It also provides flexibility since developers can choose the most suitable consensus or data availability layers for their specific needs, balancing security and performance. Additionally, isolated layers mean that issues in one layer do not compromise the entire network, making the system more resilient and robust.

Prom Network's modular architecture creates a versatile and adaptable blockchain environment, supporting innovation by allowing customizable configurations for various layers without affecting the entire system. This approach enables a scalable, flexible, and secure blockchain system, meeting the demands of modern applications and increasing transaction volumes. Prom Network's design fosters a robust ecosystem, encouraging future advancements and broader adoption by emphasizing the distinct layers and their roles within the modular blockchain framework.