Maintain Digital Ledgers with Distributed Ledger Technologies & Blockchain
Distributed Ledger Technologies or DLT is a database tech shared across a network that includes multiple websites, institutions and locations. The synchronized database significantly reduces the risk of cyber attack by creating a space where all of the transactions are done under the watchful eye of witnesses.
You see, within the network there are “nodes,” or places of sharing across the space where participants can access the recordings based on copies of the original.
These individual computers (nodes) contain the information as an exact replica of the original, automatically updated when changes are made to the ledger.
These changes are reflected, copied and shared with the participants in seconds or in some cases minutes after they are made.
Beneath this framework is the Distributed Ledger Technology Blockchain[1] – the underlying technology of Bitcoin.
What is Distributed Ledger Technology DLT?
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) works to speed up and protect the quality of blockchain transactions. With the potential to eliminate the need for a middleman or central authority, DLT can also help to reduce transaction costs.
Experts of distributed ledger technologies know the potential of having a secure network with nodes able to hold records without the fear of hacking.
Able to manipulate the data and protect it from attack, the blockchain creates a system safer from cyber attackers.
With hackers much less likely to steal data, properly handling records with sensitive financial information is thereby one of the most notable benefits of DLT.
Distributed Ledger Technology is also witnessed across a network of participating computers. For this reason, many people also consider using DLT as a way of handling records with transparency.
Some of the most notable benefits of Distributed Ledger Technologies include secure application in all financial transactions including business dealings, government finance, tax collection, property deed transfer, social benefit distribution and even voting procedures.
Individuals can use DLT for personal information so that records including medical, corporate and intellectual pieces like property, music and art ownership can be properly tracked.
Blockchain technologies such as Distributed Ledger Tech have revolutionized the way corporations, government institutions and industries work. But with the recent Cryptocurrency crash[2] many analysts are wondering about the future of Distributed Ledger Technologies.
Will DLT like the blockchain maintain wide-scale use? Academic and financial press has asked the question and now sufficient evidence shows more regulations for exchange and security are needed.
How Does Distributed Ledger Technology Work?
The Distributed Ledger Technology Blockchain is a unique system. Here is the 5-step process of how it works:
1. Transaction. Two parties – Party (A) and Party (B), enter into an exchange. By sharing crypto-currency or a representation of another asset like a land title they initiate a transaction.
2. Block. The transaction is then created into a “block” after being packaged with other pending transactions. Then, the block is sent to the blockchains network of computer systems.
3. Verification. Any participating computers in the blockchain are known as “miners.” Within a Bitcoin blockchain they are used to evaluate every transaction and calculation to verify the validity within a set of rules.
When the “consensus” is achieved (usually with 51% of computers within the network) verification is completed.
4. Hash. Every verified transaction block has a unique time-stamp as well as a cryptographic hash and a reference to the previous block’s hash which is how the chain of records is created.
This “chain” is also how transaction records are verified and thus protected against falsification.
The only way the data within the block records can be tampered with is if the participating nodes all note a change, which is considered impossible. That is the purpose of creating the blockchain.
5. Execution. This is the final step in the process where the unit of value is transferred from the account of Party A to Party B.
Types of Distributed Ledger Technology
Types of blockchain include public, private as well as consortium or federated. Bitcoin is a famous blockchain DLT however, there are more.
Here are other popular blockchain protocols you may want to consider as a crypto-currency[3] user: Ethereum, Hyperledger, Openchain, Corda DLT Blockchain and BigChainDB.
What is Blockchain & DLT?
Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology is a type of distributed ledger network. Based on individual computers (nodes) information is maintained, recorded, shared and synchronized within digital ledgers.
This is a revolutionary idea when compared to a traditional ledger where data is kept centralized. Within the digital structure of the Distributed Ledger Technology Blockchain digital “blocks” of information on the “chain” are essential.
Blocks within the blockchain can be made up three different pieces of specific information.
1. Transactions. A block stores information including the date, time and amount of a recent transaction.
2. Participants. Within the blockchain, there are specific blocks that store information about who is participating in the transaction.
For example, if you were to make a large purchase on Amazon.com the information within the block would include your name along with the name of the company (Amazon.com Inc.).
However, unlike any other platform, the blockchain records the data without any of your identification by using a digital signature unique to the blockchain.
3. Codes. Able to store information on the blockchain that differentiates them from other blocks, codes are also known as a “hash.” These unique codes are developed to distinguish one block from another.
For example, if you were to make a purchase on a website like Amazon.com and then made the exact same purchase only 5 minutes later, the blockchain would hold information of both transactions with unique codes. That’s because every block within the blockchain, even if it seems the same as another, is completely different.
Is Blockchain a Distributed Database?
Yes. The Distributed Ledger Technology Blockchain is distributed across peer-to-peer networks and managed.
Because it is a DLT it is able to exist alone – without attachment to a centralized authority or server.
It is a decentralized, distributed and public digital ledger. Used across a secure network of many computers, all blocks are needed to maintain the records and protect them from cyber attackers.
Read Next: What is Ledger Wallet & Which Coins are Supported by Ledger Wallet?
Blockchain technologies or DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) is an essential type of ledger. Used by a network of computers known as “nodes,” to electronically share information.
This information exchange has been highly valued as a revolution in data-processing. Raising the bar for information exchange, the network of individual nodes are secured from attack by linking together and forming a chain.
Known as the blockchain, DLT will continue to progress into new systems poised to stay at the top of ledger tech for cryptocurrency.
References
[2] https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/bitcoin-cryptocurrency-2019/
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2018/05/20/what-is-cryptocurrency-a-simple-guide-to-understanding-cryptocurrency-and-crypto-news/#76a620ba320d
Disclaimer
The writer’s views are expressed as a personal opinion and are for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a duly licensed professional for investment advice.More Posts
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