Blockchain Scalability via Horizontal Scaling
In cryptocurrency, there are two main scaling mechanisms: horizontal scaling and vertical scaling. This article will cover horizontal scaling. Horizontal scaling involves scaling a blockchain by adding more nodes, whereas vertical scaling seeks to improve existing nodes. The purpose of scaling is to distribute the load, improving the number of transactions that can be processed per second. Horizontal scaling seeks to distribute the load by spreading it over more nodes, which changes the very structure of the blockchain, but vertical scaling involves processing the load over the existing nodes by enhancing the node’s power. An example of a horizontal scaling mechanism would be rollups and sidechains. These layer 2 mechanisms process many transactions off-chain, which distributes the load and allows for a greater TPS.
Advantages
- Scalability: Technically, horizontal scaling mechanisms, like layer 2’s, can be constructed to a great degree, meaning that numerous layer 2’s could be made. Depending on the situation, many sidechains could be constructed to improve scalability.
- Customizable features: On the whole, horizontal scaling mechanisms allow more customizable features. Different parts of the blockchain work differently and have different purposes. A plethora of Layer 2’s will enable developers to customize more features.
- Separation from Layer 1: Certain horizontal scaling mechanisms, like specific layer 2s, are built separately from the mainnet. While this does have some disadvantages, it allows for more room to construct a better working sidechain.
Disadvantages
- Complexity: While vertical scaling solutions are more straightforward, horizontal scaling can be complex. Constructing more sidechains or more layer 2’s is more difficult than upgrading the existing software.
- Cost: There is a large cost involved with scaling horizontally. Adding more nodes, licenses, and more is involved when scaling horizontally.
- Data Inconsistency: In the end, the transactions must be processed and the data must be sent to the main chain to be verified, yet issues can arise over inconsistency as this data is being sent out.
- Security: As is the case for many layer 2’s and sidechains, security can be an issue. Especially if the mechanism is built separately from the blockchain.
If you want to learn more, check out the links below:
Horizontal vs Vertical Scaling: Key Differences
Blockchain Scalability: Execution, Storage, and Consensus
Thank You for Reading
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