DAG Consensus Protocol

Definition ∞ A DAG consensus protocol utilizes a Directed Acyclic Graph structure to order and validate transactions, differing from traditional linear blockchains. Instead of blocks, individual transactions or small groups of transactions link to multiple previous ones, forming a graph. This architecture aims to achieve higher transaction throughput and lower latency by allowing parallel processing of transactions. It represents an alternative approach to achieving distributed agreement without a single chain.
Context ∞ The discourse surrounding DAG consensus protocols often highlights their potential to overcome scalability limitations faced by conventional blockchains. A key debate involves ensuring strong security guarantees and preventing double-spending in a non-linear transaction history. Critical future developments will focus on refining the underlying graph structures and validation mechanisms to enhance network stability. These protocols seek to provide a robust foundation for high-volume digital asset networks.

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→MAD Ledger Function

→Transaction Ordering Fairness

→Cryptoeconomic Security

MAD-DAG Ledger Function Eliminates MEV-Driven Consensus Instability

A novel DAG-based ledger function discards block content during tie-breaks, fundamentally removing the MEV incentive that destabilizes consensus protocols.

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→Uncertified Blocks

→DAG Consensus Protocol

→State Machine Replication

Uncertified DAG Consensus Achieves Optimal Three-Round Finality and Sub-Second Latency

The Mysticeti protocol uses uncertified DAG blocks and a novel commit rule to reach the theoretical three-round latency limit, unlocking true sub-second finality for high-throughput chains.

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→Asymmetric Trust Model

→Asynchronous Model

→Byzantine Quorum Systems

Asymmetric DAG Consensus Achieves Robustness with Heterogeneous Node Trust

By formalizing an asymmetric common core primitive, this new DAG-based consensus protocol enables robust, constant-time finality under heterogeneous trust assumptions.

→Maximal Extractable Value

→Concurrent Block Production

→Validator Collusion Risk

Concurrent DAG Block Production Enables Frontrunning via Finalization Ordering Manipulation

Research exposes how leaderless DAG consensus protocols, designed for throughput, introduce a new, exploitable frontrunning vector during transaction finalization.

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→Formal Security Proof

→Permissionless Networks

→Byzantine Fault Tolerance

Asymmetric Quorums Enable Provable Subjective Trust in DAG Consensus

A new model for asynchronous consensus replaces the universal trust assumption with subjective node-specific quorums, enabling formally verifiable safety in flexible, open networks.