Types of Blockchain: How Many Blockchains Are There? The Complete Guide for Beginners

Beginner's Guide to Blockchain Networks: What is blockchain and why is it important?

Blockchain is a distributed database that allows for the secure, transparent, and immutable recording of transactions and other data. It is important because it provides a way for parties to securely and verifiably exchange information and assets without the need for a central authority or intermediary.

One of the key features of blockchain technology is its decentralized nature, which means that it is not controlled by a single entity or organization. Instead, it operates through a network of computers, known as nodes, that work together to verify and record transactions. This decentralized structure makes it difficult for any single party to alter or manipulate the data recorded on the blockchain.

Another important aspect of blockchain technology is its ability to enable secure, transparent, and verifiable transactions. Transactions recorded on a blockchain are validated and verified by the network, which ensures their authenticity and prevents fraud or tampering. This makes it an ideal technology for a wide range of applications, including financial transactions, supply chain management, and voting systems.

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize a number of industries by providing a secure and transparent way to exchange information and assets.

What are the benefits of blockchain technology?

While blockchain and cryptocurrencies are often discussed together, it's important to note that they are not the same thing. Cryptocurrencies rely on blockchain technology to function, but the blockchain itself offers a range of benefits beyond just enabling digital currencies. It has the potential to offer a number of benefits, including:

1. • Security: Because blockchain technology uses a decentralized network and cryptographic techniques to secure and verify transactions, it can be more secure than traditional systems that rely on a central authority.
2. 
   • Transparency: Blockchain technology allows for the transparent and verifiable recording of transactions, making it possible for all parties to see the complete history of a particular asset or piece of information.
3. 
   • Improved Efficiency: By eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the number of steps involved in certain processes, blockchain technology can streamline and speed up transactions and other processes.
4. 
   • Reduced Costs: By automating certain processes and eliminating the need for intermediaries, blockchain technology can help reduce costs for businesses and individuals.
5. 
   • Autonomy: Blockchain technology can enable the use of smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code. This can increase the autonomy of certain processes and reduce the need for human intervention.
   

Blockchain technology has the potential to bring significant benefits to a wide range of industries by enabling secure, transparent, and efficient transactions and processes.

Types of Blockchain

There are several types of blockchain, including public, private, consortium, hybrid, and sidechain.

1. Public blockchain: A public blockchain is a decentralized network that allows anyone to participate as a node, validate transactions, and create new blocks. Examples include Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Advantages of public blockchains:

1. • Decentralization: Public blockchains are decentralized, meaning that they are not controlled by any single entity or organization. This makes them resistant to censorship and tampering, and ensures that they are transparent and fair.
2. 
   • Transparency: Public blockchains are transparent, meaning that all transactions are visible to anyone on the network. This helps to promote trust and accountability.
3. 
   • Immutability: Public blockchains are immutable, meaning that once a transaction has been recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted. This helps to prevent fraud and ensures the integrity of the network.
   

Disadvantages of public blockchains:

1. • Lack of privacy: Public blockchains are transparent, meaning that all transactions are visible to anyone on the network. This can be a disadvantage for users who need to keep certain data private, such as personal medical or financial information.
2. 
   • Scalability issues: Public blockchains can become slow, clogged, and expensive to use, especially when there is a lot of activity on the network. This can make them less practical for handling large volumes of transactions.
3. 
   • High network fees: When there is a lot of activity on a public blockchain, network fees can skyrocket, making it expensive for users to conduct transactions.
4. 
   • Lack of control: Public blockchains are decentralized, meaning that they are not controlled by any single entity. This can make them less suitable for certain applications that require more control, such as internal record-keeping.
5. 
   • Limited flexibility: Public blockchains are designed to be decentralized and transparent, which can limit their flexibility and the types of applications that can be built on them.
   

Uses of public blockchains:

1. • Cryptocurrencies: Public blockchains are commonly used as the underlying technology for cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
2. 
   • Supply chain management: Public blockchains can be used to track the movement of goods and materials through the supply chain, helping to improve transparency and efficiency.
3. 
   • Voting systems: Public blockchains can be used to create secure, transparent voting systems that are resistant to fraud and tampering.
4. 
   • Land title registration: Public blockchains can be used to create secure, transparent land title registration systems that are resistant to fraud and tampering.
5. 
   • Identity verification: Public blockchains can be used to create secure, transparent identity verification systems that are resistant to fraud and tampering.
   

2. Private blockchain: It is a permissioned network that is usually operated by a single organization or consortium of organizations. Only authorized parties are allowed to join the network and participate in the consensus process. Private blockchains are often used for internal record-keeping and can provide increased security and privacy compared to public blockchains.

Advantages of private blockchains:

1. • Security: Private blockchains are often more secure than public blockchains, as they are usually operated by a single organization or consortium of organizations. This can make them less vulnerable to attacks and fraud.
2. 
   • Scalability: Private blockchains can often handle higher transaction volumes and speeds than public blockchains, as they are not subject to the same network constraints.
3. 
   • Privacy: Private blockchains offer greater privacy than public blockchains, as only authorized parties are allowed to access the network and view transactions.
4. 
   • Control: Private blockchains are usually operated by a single organization or consortium, which gives them greater control over the network. This can make them more suitable for certain applications, such as internal record-keeping.
   

Disadvantages of private blockchains:

1. • Centralization: Private blockchains are often centralized, meaning that they are controlled by a single entity or consortium. This can make them less resistant to censorship and tampering compared to public blockchains.
2. 
   • Lack of transparency: Private blockchains are not transparent, as only authorized parties are allowed to access the network and view transactions. This can reduce trust and accountability.
3. 
   • Limited access: Private blockchains are restricted, meaning that only authorized parties are allowed to access the network and participate in the consensus process. This can limit the potential benefits of the blockchain.
   

Uses of private blockchains:

1. • Internal record-keeping: Private blockchains are often used for internal record-keeping within organizations, as they offer increased security and privacy compared to public blockchains.
2. 
   • Supply chain management: Private blockchains can be used to track the movement of goods and materials through the supply chain, helping to improve transparency and efficiency within a single organization or consortium.
3. 
   • Identity verification: Private blockchains can be used to create secure, private identity verification systems that are resistant to fraud and tampering.
4. 
   • There are several cryptocurrencies that are based on private blockchains, including Ripple (XRP), Corda, Hyperledger Fabric, and Quorum. Private blockchains are generally not as widely used or as well-known as public blockchains, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.
   

3. Consortium blockchain: A consortium blockchain is a hybrid of the public and private blockchain models. It is operated by a group of organizations, rather than a single entity, and can be either permissioned or permissionless.

Advantages of consortium blockchains:

1. • Security: Consortium blockchains are often more secure than public blockchains, as they are operated by a group of organizations rather than a single entity. This can make them less vulnerable to attacks and fraud.
2. 
   • Scalability: It can often handle higher transaction volumes and speeds than public blockchains, as they are not subject to the same network constraints.
3. 
   • Control & Validation: Consortium blockchains are operated by a group of organizations, which gives them greater control over the network. This can make them more suitable for certain applications, such as cross-organizational collaboration.
   

Disadvantages of consortium blockchains:

1. • Vulnerability to corrupt participants: Consortium blockchains may not have a unified framework, which can make them more vulnerable to participants who are secretly corrupt. Without a unified framework, there is a risk that some participants may act in their own self-interest rather than in the best interest of the consortium as a whole.
2. 
   • Slow upgrade process: Consortium blockchains may be slower to upgrade than other types of blockchains, especially when there is an increase in participants. This can lead to delays and inefficiencies as the consortium must reach consensus on any changes to the blockchain.
3. 
   • Dependence on participant cooperation: The development speed of consortium blockchains can depend on the cooperation of the participating organizations. If participants are unable to reach an agreement on key decisions, it can stall progress and hinder the growth and success of the blockchain.
4. 
   • Limited decentralization: Consortium blockchains are less decentralized than public blockchains, as they are operated by a group of organizations rather than being open to anyone. This can limit the potential benefits of the blockchain and make it less resistant to censorship and tampering compared to fully decentralized public blockchains.
5. 
   • Reduced privacy: Consortium blockchains may not offer the same level of privacy as private blockchains, as all transactions are visible to authorized parties on the network. This can be a disadvantage for users who value privacy or need to keep certain data confidential.
   

Uses of consortium blockchains:

1. • Intellectual property: Consortium blockchains can be used to track and manage intellectual property rights, helping to ensure that creators are properly credited and compensated for their work.
2. 
   • Financial services: Consortium blockchains are often used by financial institutions for a variety of purposes, such as cross-border payments, trade finance, and identity verification. It can be used by a group of banks working together to facilitate and validate financial transactions. The banks in the consortium have control over which nodes will validate transactions, providing increased security and trust.
3. 
   • R3 Corda is a consortium blockchain platform that is specifically designed for financial institutions. It is used for a wide range of applications, including trade finance, supply chain management, and identity verification. R3 Corda is operated by a consortium of over 300 organizations, including banks, financial institutions, and technology companies. The consortium is responsible for developing and maintaining the Corda platform, and member organizations are able to use Corda to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) for various purposes.
   

4. Hybrid blockchain: A hybrid blockchain is a type of blockchain that combines features of both public and private blockchains. It allows for both public and private transactions to be conducted on the same network.

Advantages of hybrid blockchains:

1. • Flexibility: Hybrid blockchains offer flexibility in terms of the level of access and control, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. It is the ability to tailor the network to specific needs. By combining elements of both public and private blockchains, users can leverage the advantages of both types of networks. For example, transactions within a private network of a hybrid blockchain can be verified within the network, but can also be added to a public blockchain for additional verification by more nodes, increasing the security and transparency of the network.
2. 
   • Scalability & Cost-Effective: Hybrid blockchains can scale more easily than public blockchains because they do not have to process every transaction on the network. This allows for faster transaction processing times and lower fees.
3. 
   • Security: Hybrid blockchains can offer the same level of security as public blockchains, as they use the same distributed ledger technology. However, the ability to control access to the network can provide an additional layer of security.
   

Disadvantages of hybrid blockchains:

1. • Centralization: While hybrid blockchains are decentralized, they can still be more centralized than public blockchains because certain aspects of the network may be controlled by a single entity.
2. 
   • Complexity: Hybrid blockchains can be more complex to set up and maintain compared to other types of blockchains, which can be a disadvantage for organizations considering using this technology.
3. 
   • Upgrade difficulty: Upgrading a hybrid blockchain may be more difficult than upgrading other types of blockchains because of the need to maintain compatibility with both public and private networks. This can be a disadvantage for organizations that want to stay up to date with the latest technologies.
4. 
   • Lack of transparency: Because information can be hidden in a hybrid blockchain, it may not be as transparent as a public blockchain. This can reduce the level of trust in the network.
5. 
   • Lack of incentive: Hybrid blockchains may not provide incentives for users to participate in or contribute to the network, which can make it difficult to attract new users and maintain the network.
   

Uses of hybrid blockchains:

1. • Real estate: Hybrid blockchains can be used to securely store and manage real estate transactions and property records.
2. 
   • Healthcare: Hybrid blockchains can be used to securely store and share medical records and other healthcare-related information.
3. 
   • Government and public sector: Hybrid blockchains can be used by governments and other public sector organizations to securely store and share data and facilitate processes such as voting.
4. 
   • Gaming: Hybrid blockchains can be used to securely store and manage in-game assets and transactions in online gaming platforms.
   

Industries that Profit from Blockchain Networks
Blockchain technology has the potential to be used in a variety of industries, including logistics, finance, real estate, and gaming. It can be used to create smart contracts, which are self-executing code stored on an immutable blockchain that can be used to automate business processes and reduce the need for third-party intermediaries. Blockchain networks are also being used to develop new solutions for industries that require secure and effective data management, such as healthcare and digital identification. In addition, blockchain technology can be used by governments and public agencies to secure transactions, automate processes, and foster public trust. Some specific industries that may benefit from implementing blockchain technology include:

1. • Cryptocurrency: Blockchain technology has been used to create cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash, which can be used for payments and other financial transactions.
2. 
   • Energy: Blockchain can be used to facilitate the development of smart grids, which require a local market for power supply and demand. It can also be used by energy providers, such as gas and electric suppliers and utilities, to securely share data and streamline operations.
3. 
   • Healthcare: Blockchain can be used to securely store and share medical records and other healthcare-related information, improving patient care and reducing the risk of errors.
4. 
   • Digital identification: Blockchain can be used to securely store and manage digital identification information, such as birth dates, social security numbers, and driver's license numbers.
5. 
   • Government: Blockchain can be used by governments to secure transactions, automate processes, and foster public confidence. Governments can use blockchains to protect sensitive information, such as birth dates, social security numbers, addresses, and driver's license numbers, while also achieving efficiency savings and reducing costs. By using blockchain technology to eliminate redundancies and ensure data accuracy, governments can improve their operations and serve citizens more effectively.
   

FAQ

• Examples of private blockchain services

Private blockchain services are centralized blockchain platforms that are only accessible to a specific group of users. Examples include IBM Blockchain, Microsoft Azure Blockchain, Amazon Managed Blockchain, and SAP Cloud Platform Blockchain.

• What are different types of blockchain?

There are several different types of blockchain, including public blockchains, which are open to anyone and decentralized, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum; private blockchains, which are restricted to a specific group of users; consortium blockchains, which are private blockchains controlled by a group of organizations; hybrid blockchains, which combine elements of public and private blockchains.

• Is Bitcoin a type of blockchain?

Yes, Bitcoin is a type of blockchain. It is a decentralized, digital currency that uses cryptography for security and is based on a distributed ledger technology called a blockchain. Each block in the chain contains a record of multiple transactions, and once a block is added to the chain, the data it contains cannot be altered. This makes the blockchain a secure and transparent way to record and transfer information or value. Bitcoin was the first and is the most well-known application of blockchain technology.

• What type of blockchain is Solana?

Solana is a public, decentralized blockchain platform that is designed to support high transaction speeds and low fees. It uses a novel consensus mechanism called Proof of History (PoH) to achieve fast and secure transaction processing. Solana is designed to be scalable, with the goal of being able to process thousands of transactions per second. It is also designed to be energy efficient, as the PoH consensus mechanism does not require the energy-intensive mining process used by some other blockchain platforms.

This is not an investment advice. Please conduct your own research when investing in any project.