What is Participation Node?
Let's find out Participation Node meaning, definition in crypto, what is Participation Node, and all other detailed facts.
A Participation Node is a type of node that provides assistance in managing the Pure Proof of Stake (PPoS) process in the Algorand platform. Although, the definition can vary depending on the application. We will cover the participation node within the context of blockchains.
In order to truly grasp what a participation node entails, you have to understand what a node is in its simplest form. A node is a key element of a blockchain’s infrastructure that’s linked to the network with an IP address. Essentially, nodes transmit information between each other and allow the validation of transactions. For example, if you want to connect to a specific blockchain, you will have to use nodes.
Now, when it comes to participation nodes, they’ve been introduced by the Algorand platform.
By staking Algo and generating a valid participation key, a network participant is able to become a participation node which is considered to be one of the most powerful nodes on the platform. Access is only granted to those participation nodes that have the user’s participation key.
Algorand categorizes nodes into relay nodes and participation nodes:
- Relay nodes operate within the information relaying area. This means that they efficiently transmit messages from one participating node to another creating a sort of network hub;
- Participation nodes use participation keys to sign the consensus protocol communications and introduce and validate new blocks as a means to assist the PPoS protocol. All communication between participation nodes flows through relay nodes since participation nodes use Algorand’s consensus mechanism to receive messages from the relay nodes.
The processes of proposing and voting on blocks go through Algorand’s PPoS consensus method which applies a two-tier block creation procedure. Participation nodes propose and vote on blocks in the interests of their user within the consensus protocol.
One participation node can hold numerous participation keys and, in turn, represent numerous participants. Anyone can run this kind of participation node, just like any regular node.
Granted that the majority of participation nodes conduct the consensus process fairly, users are guaranteed that the blockchain remains secure and won’t split in case of an emergency.