Hybrid Raft-PoW Blockchain Consensus Algorithm

Abstract

The Raft consensus algorithm is widely used in private networks as an alternative to the energy-intensive PoW consensus algorithm in blockchains. The Raft consensus algorithm’s voting mechanism performs well in reliable and well-planned networks with optimized timeouts. However, in unreliable or poorly configured networks, it encounters several challenges. These include multiple candidacies, repeated election cycles, insufficient or failed leader elections during network splits, prolonged leader election times and vulnerability to Sybil attacks. In this study, a novel Hybrid Raft-PoW consensus algorithm is introduced. It integrates the hash puzzle-based competition of the PoW consensus algorithm with the fast leader election mechanism of the Raft consensus algorithm. This combination ensures both speed and certainty in leader election, ensuring that leadership is delegated to the most capable nodes. At the same time, it promotes decentralization by ensuring a fair distribution across nodes, achieving at least 80% leadership distribution. Therefore, the proposed Hybrid Raft-PoW consensus algorithm improves or eliminates problems caused by Raft consensus algorithm’s leader election mechanism.