IOTA Architecture

IOTA shares some similarities with traditional blockchains but is unique in many ways. Use the topics in this section to understand the features that define the IOTA network.

Understand IOTA Security

Learn about the mechanisms available to secure on-chain assets, and the assurances IOTA provides regarding asset security. "Understand IOTA Security" explores the overall IOTA security architecture, to ensure the asset types you design leverage IOTA to provide a secure experience for asset holders.

Go to Understand IOTA Security.

Life of a Transaction

"Life of a Transaction" details the transitions that all transactions on IOTA go through from creation to finality. This topic also explores some features of the blockchain (like epochs and checkpoints) that play a role in the life of a transaction.

Go to Life of a Transaction.

Consensus

Every transaction on IOTA that touches a shared object must go through a consensus process. This is to ensure that all nodes in the network agree on which transactions should be allowed to modify the ledger state. IOTA currently uses the Mysticeti consensus algorithm.

Go to Consensus.

Sequencing

Once consensus provides the set of transactions to be included in the ledger, they must be sequenced to determine their exact execution order. IOTA uses a unique sequencing algorithm aimed at maximizing throughput by leveraging concurrent processing capabilities.

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Protocol Upgrades

The IOTA protocol, framework, and execution engine are frequently extended to include new functionality and bug fixes. This functionality is added in the form of new code which is released to validator operators as part of our regular software releases. The IOTA protocol, however, requires a supermajority of validators to agree on those protocol upgrades.

Go to Protocol Upgrades.