Blockchain Trilemma
The challenge of making a blockchain fast, secure, AND decentralized at the same time. Usually you can only have two out of three.
Example
Ethereum choosing security and decentralization, which makes it slower. Solana choosing speed, which makes it more centralized.
Related Terms
Core Concepts
⚙️How It Works
- 1
The Three Properties
Blockchains aim for: Scalability (speed), Security (attack resistance), and Decentralization (no single point of control)
- 2
The Tradeoff
Optimizing for two properties typically sacrifices the third due to fundamental technical constraints
- 3
Different Choices
Bitcoin/Ethereum prioritize security + decentralization; Solana prioritizes speed + security
- 4
Layer 2 Solutions
L2s attempt to achieve all three by building on secure L1s while adding speed
⚖️Trilemma Tradeoffs by Chain
| Feature | bitcoin | ethereum | solana |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority | Security + Decentr. | Security + Decentr. | Speed + Security |
| Speed (TPS) | 7 | 15-30 | 65,000 |
| Validators | 15,000+ nodes | 900,000+ | 1,900 |
| Sacrifice | Scalability | Scalability | Decentralization |