Proof of Stake Upgrade

Definition ∞ A Proof of Stake (PoS) upgrade refers to a significant protocol change that transitions a blockchain’s consensus mechanism from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake. This alteration changes how new blocks are validated and added to the chain, typically reducing energy consumption and increasing transaction finality.
Context ∞ The Ethereum network’s transition from PoW to PoS, known as “The Merge,” stands as a prominent example of a Proof of Stake upgrade, fundamentally altering its operational economics and environmental impact. Such upgrades are closely watched for their influence on network security, decentralization, and the long-term viability of digital assets.