Technical Framework of Proof-of-Work

The PoW mechanism in Akashic Blockchain has been engineered to provide efficiency, scalability, and reliability. The following technical components are key to its implementation:

1. Mathematical Puzzle Design

   • Cryptographic Hash Functions: Validators must solve puzzles based on cryptographic hash functions (e.g., SHA-256). The puzzle involves finding a hash value that meets specific criteria, such as starting with a certain number of zeros.

   • Adjustable Difficulty: The difficulty of the puzzle adjusts dynamically based on network activity and the number of active validators. This ensures consistent block times and prevents overloading the network during high activity periods.

2. Validation and Consensus

   • First-Solve Validation: The first validator to solve the cryptographic puzzle broadcasts their solution to the network. Other validators verify the solution’s correctness before reaching consensus.

   • Block Rewards: The successful validator is rewarded with newly minted tokens (AKC) and transaction fees, incentivizing participation.

3. Block Structure

   • Header: Contains metadata such as the previous block’s hash, timestamp, and the nonce (a random number adjusted by validators to find the correct hash).

   • Transaction Data: Includes all validated transactions that will be added to the blockchain.

   • Merkle Tree: Organizes transactions in a hierarchical tree structure, making it easy to verify the integrity of individual transactions.

4. Energy Efficiency Enhancements

   • Smaller Block Sizes: Reduces the computational effort required for solving puzzles.

   • Optimized Consensus Timing: Ensures that block times remain consistent without excessive competition among validators.

   • Encouraging Renewable Energy: Akashic incentivizes validators who use renewable energy sources for their computational work, reducing the network’s carbon footprint.