As demand for blockchain technology grows, performance is more important than ever. Transactions per second (TPS) have become a key benchmark for comparing protocols. Cosmos aims to solve the blockchain scalability trilemma with high TPS.
But how does Cosmos TPS work?
Cosmos achieves its Transactions Per Second (TPS) through a modular approach. Each blockchain in the Cosmos network, known as a “zone,” can have its own TPS rate. These zones are connected through the Cosmos Hub, enabling the transfer of assets and data between them. This modular setup improves the overall TPS capacity of the Cosmos network.
In this article, we’ll explain Cosmos TPS, how it’s measured, and its average within the ecosystem. We’ll also compare Cosmos to similar networks and consider alternative options. Let’s get started!
Contents
- 1 What is Cosmos TPS
- 2 How is TPS Measured in The Cosmos Ecosystem
- 3 What is the Average TPS of Cosmos Ecosystem
- 4 How Does Cosmos Work?
- 5 Cosmos TPS vs Others
- 6 Cosmos Alternatives
- 7 Conclusion
- 8 FAQs
What is Cosmos TPS
Cosmos (often represented by its native token, ATOM) is a decentralized network of independent parallel blockchains, each powered by BFT consensus algorithms like Tendermint.
The term “TPS” stands for Transactions Per Second, which is a measure of the number of transactions a blockchain network can process each second. It’s a key performance metric that indicates the network’s capacity to handle transactions.
In Cosmos, the TPS can vary significantly across different blockchains within the Cosmos ecosystem. This variation occurs because each blockchain, known as a “zone” within the Cosmos Hub, is designed to operate independently. Each zone has its own validators and transaction processing capabilities.
The Cosmos network’s design enables scalability through parallel blockchains. These blockchains communicate using the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, allowing them to share transaction loads and boost network throughput effectively.
However, it’s important to note that there isn’t a single, fixed TPS rate for Cosmos as a whole due to this decentralized and heterogeneous architecture. Each blockchain within Cosmos can have its own TPS rate based on its specific configuration, consensus mechanism, and network conditions.
How is TPS Measured in The Cosmos Ecosystem
In the Cosmos ecosystem, the TPS can vary from one blockchain to another. Here’s how TPS is typically measured:
Transaction Throughput
The primary measure of TPS is the actual throughput, which is the number of transactions a blockchain can process within a specific time frame. This time frame is typically one second. It is calculated by running tests or observing the blockchain under operational conditions.
Block Time
The time it takes for a new block to be created on the blockchain is crucial for understanding TPS. Shorter block times can lead to higher TPS because transactions are being finalized and added to the blockchain more frequently.
Transactions Per Block
Another important factor is the number of transactions that can be included in each block. This depends on the block size limit set by the blockchain’s protocol. A higher capacity for transactions per block can potentially increase the TPS.
Network Conditions
Network latency and the geographical distribution of validators can affect transaction validation and propagation times, indirectly impacting TPS.
Cosmos’s use of the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol adds complexity to TPS measurement. It enables interchain transactions, involving processing on multiple networks, making TPS assessment complicated. Transactions crossing chains create this additional layer of complexity.
Benchmarking Tools and Methods
Developers and researchers might use specific tools and methodologies for benchmarking the performance of Cosmos blockchain.
These tools simulate a range of transaction loads on the network to measure its performance under different conditions. They provide a more comprehensive view of its capabilities.
Real-world Usage
Observing the blockchain under real-world conditions, with actual transaction loads, provides insight into its operational TPS. This is often lower than theoretical maximums due to factors like transaction complexity, validator performance, and network congestion.
What is the Average TPS of Cosmos Ecosystem
There isn’t a single “average TPS” that accurately represents the entire Cosmos ecosystem. Instead, the transaction throughput can vary significantly across different blockchains within the network.
This variation is influenced by factors such as the blockchain’s consensus mechanism, configuration, the complexity of transactions, and network conditions.
Now let’s explore the average TPS of Cosmos ecosystem:
Individual Blockchain TPS
Some blockchains in the Cosmos ecosystem may optimize for high transaction throughput, potentially handling thousands of transactions per second. This could mean anywhere from just over 1,000 transactions per second (TPS) to several thousand (e.g., 5,000, 10,000, or more TPS).
It depends on the specific blockchain’s design, optimizations, and network conditions.
Others may prioritize other aspects like security or decentralization, which could result in a lower TPS.
Cosmos Hub and Zones
The Cosmos Hub (the central blockchain in the Cosmos ecosystem) and various zones (independent blockchains connected to the Hub) each have their own performance metrics. The Cosmos Hub itself is designed more for security and interoperability rather than maximizing TPS.
Benchmarking and Testing
Specific TPS figures for individual blockchains within the Cosmos ecosystem would come from benchmarking and stress testing. These figures can provide snapshots of performance under certain conditions but may not fully represent live network conditions.
Updates and Optimizations
The Cosmos SDK and Tendermint, the underlying technologies used by many blockchains within the ecosystem, receive regular updates that can affect performance. Optimizations and improvements in these technologies can lead to changes in TPS over time.
How Does Cosmos Work?
The Transactions Per Second (TPS) capability within the Cosmos ecosystem is fundamentally influenced by its architecture and the specific technologies it employs. Here’s how the TPS in Cosmos works, considering its core components:
Tendermint Core
Firstly we will learn how Tendermint Core powers Cosmos blockchain TPS capabilities.
Consensus Engine
Tendermint TPS Core is the consensus engine used by blockchains in the Cosmos network. It’s responsible for ensuring that all transactions are agreed upon by the network’s validators in a secure and timely manner.
The efficiency and speed of Tendermint’s consensus algorithm directly affect the TPS of individual blockchains within the Cosmos ecosystem.
Block Time and Size
The TPS of a blockchain built on Tendermint. It’s influenced by the block time (how quickly blocks are produced) and block size (the amount of data that can be included in each block). Shorter block times and larger block sizes can increase TPS, but they must be carefully balanced to maintain network security and efficiency.
Cosmos SDK
Now, we’ll examine the role of the Cosmos SDK TPS in building scalable blockchain applications:
Modular Framework
The Cosmos SDK provides developers with modules to build their blockchains. The design and optimization of these modules can impact the TPS by affecting transaction processing speed and efficiency.
Application-Specific Blockchains
Cosmos allows for the creation of application-specific blockchains. Cosmos developers can optimize their chain’s architecture, including state management and transaction processing logic, to maximize TPS for their specific use case.
Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) Protocol
Next, let’s explore the IBC protocol’s key role in improving Cosmos’s TPS through inter-chain communication.
Parallel Processing
The IBC protocol enables different blockchains within the Cosmos ecosystem to communicate and transfer assets or data. This allows for parallel transaction processing across chains, which can collectively increase the ecosystem’s overall TPS capacity.
Scalability
By enabling inter-blockchain transfers, IBC allows the Cosmos ecosystem to scale horizontally. As more blockchains join the network and process transactions concurrently, the cumulative TPS of the entire ecosystem can increase without overloading any single chain.
Cosmos Hub and Zones
Here, we discuss the Cosmos Hub and Zones contribution to the network’s decentralization and scalability.
Decentralization and Scalability
The Cosmos network consists of the Cosmos Hub and multiple zones (independent blockchains). Each zone can process transactions independently and concurrently, contributing to the ecosystem’s overall scalability and TPS.
Inter-Chain Transactions
While the Cosmos Hub coordinates inter-chain communication, the zones are responsible for processing their transactions. This decentralized approach to transaction processing allows the Cosmos ecosystem to handle a high volume of transactions across different chains.
Factors Influencing TPS in Cosmos
Finally, we’ll look into various factors that directly impact the TPS across the Cosmos ecosystem.
Validator Performance
The efficiency of validators and the hardware they use can impact transaction processing speed.
Network Conditions
Network latency and bandwidth can also affect TPS, especially for inter-chain communications.
Smart Contract Complexity
On chains that support smart contracts, the complexity of these contracts can influence the processing speed of transactions.
Cosmos TPS vs Others
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the TPS (Transactions Per Second), consensus mechanisms, and key technological features of Cosmos and other major blockchain ecosystems.
| Feature | Cosmos | Polkadot | Ethereum 2.0 | Avalanche | Tezos |
| Approximate TPS | Variable per chain | Variable per parachain | Over 100,000 (target) | Over 4,500 on C-Chain | ~40 |
| Consensus Mechanism | Tendermint (BFT-based) | Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS) | Proof-of-Stake (PoS) | Avalanche consensus | Liquid Proof-of-Stake (LPoS) |
| Key Features | IBC for interoperability | Relay chain for security | Shard chains for scalability, transition from PoW to PoS | Subnets for customizable blockchains | Formal verification, on-chain governance |
| Interoperability | High with IBC protocol | High with cross-chain message passing (XCMP) | In development with sharding and cross-shard communication | Customizable with subnets | Limited, focuses on internal smart contracts and upgrades |
| Scalability Approach | Independent chains with IBC | Parallel processing with parachains | Sharding for parallel processing | Subnets and parallel processing | On-chain governance for protocol upgrades without hard forks |
| Developer Ecosystem | Cosmos SDK, Tendermint | Substrate framework | Solidity, Vyper (smart contracts) | AvalancheJS, Solidity (EVM) | SmartPy, LIGO, Mich |
Cosmos Alternatives
Several other blockchain platforms offer similar features, targeting the challenges of scalability, interoperability, and developer flexibility. Here are some notable alternatives to Cosmos:
Polkadot
Developed by the Web3 Foundation, Polkadot is often compared to Cosmos chain TPS due to its similar goals of enabling blockchain interoperability and scalability.
Polkadot uses a central relay chain to interconnect various parachains, which are independent blockchains with their own tokens and functionalities. This arrangement allows them to communicate and transfer value securely and trust-free.
Ethereum 2.0 (Eth2)
Ethereum is primarily known for enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). However, the ongoing upgrade to Ethereum 2.0 aims to improve its scalability, security, and sustainability significantly.
Through the introduction of sharding, Ethereum 2.0 aims to increase transaction throughput. It also seeks to enable more efficient inter-chain communication with the transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.
Avalanche
Avalanche is a highly scalable blockchain platform that focuses on delivering near-instant transaction finality. It uses a unique consensus mechanism designed to enable high throughput.
It also supports the creation of custom blockchains (subnets), making it a competitor in the space of scalable and interoperable blockchain solutions.
Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
Binance Smart Chain is a blockchain network built for running smart contract-based applications. While not its primary focus, BSC emphasizes high throughput and compatibility with Ethereum’s existing tools and DApps.
This makes it an attractive platform for developers seeking alternatives with lower transaction fees and faster processing times.
Cardano
Cardano aims to provide a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem for cryptocurrencies and DApps. It introduces a unique proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros.
Cardano focuses on providing interoperability, scalability, and a strong security framework for the development of decentralized applications and services.
Tezos
Tezos is a blockchain network that focuses on formal verification, which ensures the correctness of the code governing transactions and smart contracts. It aims to offer a self-amending ledger and has introduced mechanisms for on-chain governance to facilitate upgrades and changes without the need for hard forks.
Conclusion
In summary, we’ve explored the essential elements of Cosmos TPS, understanding its importance in the Cosmos ecosystem. We’ve discussed how TPS is calculated, the typical TPS achieved by Cosmos, and how it stacks up against other blockchain networks.
As demand for blockchain-based applications continues to grow, the need for protocols that can handle high throughput will only increase. Cosmos’ multi-chain approach shows promising potential to achieve the holy grail of blockchain – decentralization, security, and scalability.
If you’re considering building decentralized applications requiring high TPS, get in touch with Webisoft.
With deep expertise in cosmos blockchain development services and app development, we can help you determine if building on Cosmos is the right choice for your needs. Feel free to reach out today, and let’s start a conversation.
FAQs
What is the fastest TPS in blockchain?
The fastest TPS in blockchain varies, with projects like Solana claiming high TPS rates, but it depends on network conditions.
Does Cosmos have a future?
Yes, Cosmos has a promising future, with its multi-chain approach addressing scalability and interoperability challenges in the blockchain space.
How fast is Cosmos Network?
The speed of the Cosmos Network can vary, but its modular architecture allows for high throughput, making it suitable for various applications.
