Proof-of-Work Fairness

Definition ∞ Proof-of-Work fairness describes the extent to which a proof-of-work consensus mechanism ensures equitable opportunities for all participants to mine new blocks and earn rewards. This concept relates to the design of the mining puzzle, aiming to prevent disproportionate advantages for those with specialized hardware or vast resources. It promotes decentralization by making mining accessible to a wider range of participants. This supports network health.
Context ∞ News and discussions surrounding the energy consumption and decentralization of proof-of-work cryptocurrencies often address proof-of-work fairness. Reports on new mining algorithms or hardware developments frequently analyze their impact on the distribution of mining power. Ensuring a fair playing field for miners is a continuous debate within the digital asset community, impacting network security.