In this simulation, we will explore two different consensus algorithms: Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).

Proof of Stake (PoS) Workflow

This simulation demonstrates how Proof of Stake (PoS) selects a validator based on stake distribution and automatically creates blocks from pending transactions.

Step 1: Configure Proof of Stake

• Select Proof of Stake (PoS) as the consensus mechanism.
• Distribute stake percentages among all nodes (Alice, Bob, Carol, and Dave).
  • The total stake must be exactly 100% to proceed.
  • Nodes with higher stake have a higher chance of being selected as the validator.
• The system displays a message indicating which node is most likely to validate the next block based on stake.
• Click Confirm Stake Allocation & Next to initialize the network.

At this stage, the network is configured for stake-based validator selection.

Step 2: Create and Broadcast a Transaction

• Use the Create a Transaction panel on the left:
  • Select a Sender and Receiver.
  • Enter the transaction amount (or use the quick-add buttons).
• Click Broadcast Transaction.
• The transaction is added to the mempool, which temporarily stores pending transactions.

Broadcasting the first transaction automatically starts the block interval timer.

Step 3: Validator Selection and Block Countdown

• Once at least one transaction is in the mempool:
  • A block countdown timer starts (shown as Block Interval: 60s).
  • You may add more transactions while the timer is running.
• When the timer ends:
  • A validator is selected automatically based on stake percentage.
  • The selected validator is:
    • Highlighted in green
    • Labeled as Validator
  • A message confirms the selected participant and explains why they were chosen (highest stake).

In PoS, validators are chosen probabilistically, with higher stake increasing selection likelihood.

Step 4: Block Creation and State Update

• After validator selection:
  • The validator creates a new block using all transactions in the mempool.
  • The block is added to the blockchain.
  • Sender and receiver balances are updated.
  • Stake percentages are recalculated based on updated balances.
  • The mempool is cleared and ready for new transactions.
• A confirmation message appears indicating Block #1 Added.

The system is now ready for the next transaction and block cycle.

Proof of Work (PoW) Workflow

This simulation demonstrates how Proof of Work (PoW) enforces a mining delay using difficulty and how blocks are created automatically after the countdown completes.

Step 1: Configure Proof of Work

• Select Proof of Work (PoW) as the consensus mechanism.
• Set the Difficulty level using the slider.
  • Increasing difficulty:
    • Increases the block interval (mining time).
    • Reduces the maximum number of transactions allowed in the mempool.
• The selected difficulty value is displayed below the slider.
• Click Confirm Difficulty (popup) and proceed to the next step.

This step initializes the network with a difficulty-based mining delay.

Step 2: Create and Broadcast a Transaction

• Use the Create a Transaction panel:
  • Select a Sender and Receiver.
  • Enter the transaction amount (or use quick-add buttons).
• Click Broadcast Transaction.
• The transaction is added to the mempool, which temporarily stores pending transactions.
• The mempool enforces a transaction limit based on the selected difficulty.

Broadcasting the first transaction automatically starts the mining countdown.

Step 3: Mining Countdown and Miner Selection

• Once the mempool contains at least one transaction:
  • A countdown timer appears (e.g., Countdown: 25s).
  • The countdown duration depends on the selected difficulty.
• During this time:
  • All nodes are treated as potential miners.
  • Additional transactions can be added until the mempool limit is reached.
• When the timer ends:
  • One node is selected as the miner.
  • The selected miner is highlighted in green and labeled Miner.
  • A message explains the miner selection and difficulty used.

In this simulation, PoW mining is represented as a time-based delay, not actual hash computation.

Step 4: Block Creation and Network Update

• After miner selection:
  • The miner creates a new block using all transactions in the mempool.
  • The block is added to the blockchain.
  • Sender and receiver balances are updated.
  • The mempool is cleared.
• A confirmation message appears indicating Block #1 Added.

The system is now ready for the next mining cycle.