A Unified Framework for Analyzing Blockchain Decentralization

This paper presents a unified framework for evaluating blockchain decentralization by analyzing key layers, resources, and stakeholders. It highlights future research directions, including Layer 2 protocols, DApps, fault tolerance, and the development of a quantitative decentralization index.

Table of Links

Abstract and 1. Introduction

2 Methodology

3 Hardware

4 Software

5 Network

6 Consensus

7 Cryptocurrency Economics

8 Client API

9 Governance

10 Geography

11 Case Studies

12 Discussion and References

A. Decentralization and Policymaking

B. Software Testing

C. Brief Evaluations per Layer

D. Measuring decentralization

E. Fault Tolerance and Decentralization

12 Discussion

Our main contribution is the systematization of the rather fragmented body of literature related to decentralization into a unified framework, under which the decentralization of any distributed ledger can be analyzed. Table 1 summarizes our methodology, i.e., the layers that comprise a ledger and the relevant resources ...