A recent report by Steven Pu, co-founder of layer-1 blockchain Taraxa, has highlighted a considerable gap between claimed and actual blockchain performance. Released on February 24, the study analyzed data from Chainspect across 22 blockchain networks and found that theoretical transactions per second (TPS) figures are often exaggerated, averaging 20 times higher than real-world results. The report attributes this disparity to lab-based performance metrics that fail to translate effectively when deployed on live mainnets.
Introducing Cost-Efficiency Metrics in Blockchain
The study proposes a new metric, TPS per dollar spent on a validator node (TPS/$), as a way to measure cost efficiency instead of focusing solely on transaction speed. Findings indicate that across the analyzed networks, only four achieved double-digit TPS/$ ratios. This suggests that many blockchains require expensive hardware to process a relatively modest number of transactions, casting doubt on prevailing claims about scalability and decentralization.
According to the study, the industry’s emphasis on high TPS figures may mislead stakeholders. While established networks like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) prioritize security over speed, newer blockchains frequently present ambitious performance claims that often fail to materialize in real-world conditions. The proposed TPS/$ metric could shift the evaluation criteria for developers, particularly in use cases such as payments and supply chain management, by emphasizing cost efficiency and sustainability over inflated speed metrics.
Advocating for Transparency in Blockchain Performance
Taraxa, a proof-of-stake layer-1 blockchain specializing in audit logging, positions the report’s findings as a wake-up call for the industry. Pu, a Stanford-educated entrepreneur, stresses the importance of relying on verifiable mainnet data instead of theoretical projections often found in project whitepapers.
As the cryptocurrency sector continues to navigate adoption challenges, inflated performance metrics risk distorting investment and development decisions. This issue is particularly relevant in decentralized finance and supply chain applications, where reliable network performance is crucial. Pu advocates for a shift toward cost-efficiency benchmarks like TPS/$, arguing that such metrics could redefine blockchain sustainability by prioritizing networks that deliver practical value rather than simply showcasing high theoretical speeds.
With growing calls for transparency in blockchain assessments, the industry may need to reassess how performance is measured and communicated to stakeholders.
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