What is a Decentralised Network?

Centralised networks rely on a single entity that has control over every aspect of the network. This entity also has the power to censor, manipulate and restrict access to the network. Additionally, by placing sole security of the network under one entity, there is a significantly higher chance of security breaches. As such, users of the network have to place their trust in the authority that is in control just to use the network.

Contrastingly, in a decentralised network there is no central entity. Since power is distributed across many entities, the network is much more resistant to attack, manipulation, collusion or conspiracy. All this ensures that the network remains secure without the need to trust a centralised entity.

Blockchains are one such example of a decentralised network. No individual has the power to affect the system as a whole thanks to consensus mechanisms such as Proof of Stake or Proof of Work which secure and validate the network.