Definition ∞ Leader-based protocols are consensus mechanisms in distributed systems where a designated node coordinates transaction ordering and block production. In these systems, a single leader, or a rotating set of leaders, proposes new blocks or validates transactions, which other nodes then verify and agree upon. This approach often achieves higher transaction throughput and lower latency compared to leaderless designs. However, it introduces considerations regarding the fairness of leader selection and potential centralization risks.
Context ∞ Leader-based protocols are a frequent subject in discussions about blockchain scalability and performance, particularly in enterprise and permissioned distributed ledgers. News often reports on various blockchain projects implementing different leader election algorithms to balance efficiency with decentralization. The ongoing debate concerns the optimal design for leader rotation and fault tolerance to mitigate single points of failure.
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