Draft:Kaspa (cryptocurrency)

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Kaspa
Denominations
PluralKaspa
Symbol𐤊
CodeKAS
Development
Original author(s)Yonatan Sompolinsky, Michael Sutton, Shai Wyborski
White paper[PHANTOM, GHOSTDAG](https://eprint.iacr.org/2018/104.pdf), [DAG KNIGHT](https://eprint.iacr.org/2023/DAGKnight.pdf)
Initial releaseNovember 7, 2021
Code repository[1](https://github.com/kaspanet)
Development statusActive
Written inRust, formerly Go
Source modelOpen source
LicenseMIT License
Ledger
Timestamping schemeProof-of-work (BlockDAG)
Hash functionkHeavyHash
Block time10 Per Second
Supply limit28.7B
Website
Website[2](https://kaspa.org)

Kaspa is a cryptocurrency that leverages proof-of-work consensus mechanism and introduces the GHOSTDAG protocol to enhance scalability and transaction speed within its network. Unlike conventional blockchain technologies, Kaspa implements a blockDAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) structure, aiming to address the scalability and efficiency challenges of traditional blockchains.[1][2]

History[edit]

Kaspa originated from the research and development efforts of DAGLabs, co-founded by Yonatan Sompolinsky. Although DAGLabs eventually disbanded, the foundational work contributed significantly to the Kaspa project, which continued to evolve with the involvement of former DAGLabs developers and researchers. The project emphasizes a decentralized development approach, with no central authority overseeing its progression. Initial funding was secured from Polychain Capital, ensuring the project's launch without premined coins, in alignment with principles of fairness and transparency.[3]


Technology[edit]

Kaspa's architectural framework diverges from conventional blockchain models by incorporating a blockDAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) structure, which enables the concurrent processing of blocks and transactions. This structural choice is intended to improve the network's transaction throughput and operational efficiency. At the core of Kaspa's design is the GHOSTDAG protocol, a consensus mechanism developed to enhance the speed and reliability of the consensus process within the network. The implementation of GHOSTDAG aims to provide a secure environment for transactions by addressing some of the scalability and security challenges associated with traditional blockchain systems.[4] [5]

Development[edit]

The development phase of Kaspa introduced the DAG KNIGHT protocol, designed to manage network latency autonomously and improve adaptability to latency changes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance network security and efficiency. In addition, Kaspa transitioned its core programming from Go to Rust, aiming to utilize the latter's improved performance and safety features. A significant achievement in this phase was reaching a 10 Blocks Per Second (BPS) throughput on the testnet, which indicates an increase in the network's capacity for processing transactions.[6][failed verification][7]

Energy Consumption Critiques and Photonic Mining Innovations[edit]

The Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, which Kaspa employs, has faced scrutiny due to its high energy demands, a widespread concern within the cryptocurrency community. Acknowledging these energy concerns, a team from Stanford University proposed using photonic circuits, aiming to lower the energy needs for mining activities. These innovative circuits are designed to make mining more accessible and feasible for a broader audience by reducing reliance on cheap energy sources. The researchers' development, LightHash, builds upon HeavyHash, a system used by Kaspa and other networks, offering a promising reduction in energy consumption—potentially up to ten times less than current digital processors. This approach suggests a move towards more energy-efficient cryptocurrency mining, addressing critical environmental concerns associated with PoW mechanisms and indicating a path forward for Kaspa and similar technologies to adopt more sustainable practices.[8][9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Researchers Propose New Version of Scalable Blockchain Alternative". Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  2. ^ "2018 32nd International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications Workshops (WAINA)". doi:10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2904181. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  3. ^ "Kaspa (KAS): A Detailed Guide to What It Is and How It Works". 6 March 2024. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  4. ^ "What is Kaspa?". Retrieved 2023-12-20.
  5. ^ "PHANTOM and GHOSTDAG: A Scalable Generalization of Nakamoto Consensus". Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  6. ^ "The DAG KNIGHT Protocol: A Parameterless Generalization of Nakamoto Consensus". Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  7. ^ "A New PoW Leader? Guide to KAS Economic Model and Market Data". 27 January 2023. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  8. ^ "Stanford team shines light on cryptocurrency, designs photonic circuits to save energy". 27 April 2023. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  9. ^ "NEW PHOTONIC BLOCKCHAIN BREAKTHROUGH ENABLES PROFITABLE MINING FOR 'ALL'". 27 April 2023. Retrieved 2024-03-20.

Category:Cryptocurrencies Category:Proof-of-work cryptocurrencies