Powering Up Crypto's Grid: Explaining the TRON Blockchain

Led by Bitcoin's (BTC) record-shattering price surge, 2017 was an exciting time for the crypto market. During this exuberant phase in the history of crypto, hundreds of projects began launching innovative and ambitious initial coin offerings (ICOs) to raise funds for their virtual ventures. Of the many talked-about tokens during this volatile trading season, TRON was one of the most successful ICOs, and it continues to play a significant role in the global crypto market. 

Thanks to multiple big-name acquisitions, high-profile partnerships, and attractive onchain features, the TRON protocol keeps building on its successful ICO debut and maintains a high stature in web3. Find out what distinguishes TRON from other blockchains and the possibilities of its smart contract capabilities. 

TRON’s history

The story of TRON is closely tied to its creator: the celebrity Chinese entrepreneur Justin Sun. Before creating the TRON Network, Sun gained experience in the cryptocurrency industry working for Ripple Labs, which focuses on blockchain-based solutions for bank transfers with the XRP cryptocurrency. In 2017, Sun released the first TRON whitepaper detailing a blockchain designed to decentralize web-based applications, particularly in the entertainment sector. 

Following a $70 million ICO for TRON’s TRX cryptocurrency, the Singapore-based TRON Foundation worked on the software for the TRON blockchain and launched the TRON mainnet in 2018. The same year, TRON made headlines when it bought the decentralized file-sharing network BitTorrent for $140 million. 

Despite TRON's initial emphasis on media and entertainment, it continues to attract third-party developers in various industries, including decentralized finance (DeFi) and GameFi. TRON's low fees and fast processing speeds have also made it one of the most active blockchains for stablecoin transfers, particularly for Tether Limited's USDT. 

How does the TRON blockchain work? 

The core consensus algorithm used on the TRON blockchain is a variation on Proof-of-Stake (PoS) known as Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS). In the DPoS system, computers on the network (aka nodes) vote every six hours with TRON's native TRX coins to choose a group of 27 "super representatives" (SRs). These SRs are responsible for the transaction validation process, and they receive TRX rewards every time they successfully publish a new block of transfers. While the DPoS model introduces a greater risk of centralization, it also provides TRON with its fast processing speed of 2,000 transactions per second (TPS) and low transaction costs (aka gas fees). 

Besides the DPoS model, TRON arranges its blockchain into three layers, each designed to handle a specific function and reduce the chances of network congestion:

• Storage layer: This base layer secures data on the TRON Network, including one segment for block storage and another for information on the current state of the network (including smart contract transfers and account balances). 

• Core layer: This is where the DPoS consensus protocol takes place, processing smart contract functions and managing user accounts. 

• Application layer: This is the user-facing portion of the TRON ecosystem, where web3 developers build protocols and users transfer coins or interact with decentralized applications (dApps). 

TRON FAQs

What is TRX and the TRON coin price? 

Short for "Tronix," "TRX" is the native cryptocurrency on the TRON blockchain. It plays a central role in staking, paying network fees, and decentralized governance. Traders may find the TRON price by searching for the latest TRON price chart on reputable exchanges or crypto price aggregator websites. 

What are TR-20 tokens? 

TR-20 is the primary token standard used to build fungible cryptocurrencies within the TRON ecosystem. Taking its name from Ethereum's ERC-20 standard, TR-20 sets the parameters for programmers who want to develop automated smart contracts for TRON-based crypto tokens.  

What makes TRON different from other blockchains? 

Although TRON shares many features with other layer 1 smart contract blockchains, it's best known for its fast processing speed and low fees thanks to its DPoS consensus algorithm. TRON also maintains its commitment to exploring new avenues for decentralized content-sharing and entertainment, potentially attracting artists and creators interested in creating intermediary-free online experiences. 

Disclosures

The content of this article (the “Article”) is provided for general informational purposes only. Reference to any specific strategy, technique, product, service, or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by dYdX Trading Inc., or any affiliate, agent, or representative thereof (“dYdX”). Use of strategies, techniques, products or services referenced in this Article may involve material risks, including the risk of financial losses arising from the volatility, operational loss, or nonconsensual liquidation of digital assets.  The content of this Article does not constitute, and should not be considered, construed, or relied upon as, financial advice, legal advice, tax advice, investment advice, or advice of any other nature; and the content of this Article is not an offer, solicitation or call to action to make any investment, or purchase any crypto asset, of any kind.  dYdX makes no representation, assurance or guarantee as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of any information in this Article or any third-party website that may be linked to it.  You are solely responsible for conducting independent research, performing due diligence, and/or seeking advice from a professional advisor prior to taking any financial, tax, legal, or investment action.

You may only use the dYdX Services in compliance with the dYdX Terms of Use available here, including the geographic restrictions therein.

Any applicable sponsorship in connection with this Article will be disclosed, and any reference to a sponsor in this Article is for disclosure purposes, or informational in nature, and in any event is not a call to action to make an investment, acquire a service or product, or purchase crypto assets.  This Article does not offer the purchase or sale of any financial instruments or related services.

By accessing this Article and taking any action in connection with the information contained in this Article, you agree that dYdX is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any errors, omissions, or delays related to this Article, or any damage, injury, or loss incurred in connection with use of or reliance on the content of this Article, including any specific strategy, technique, product, service, or entity that may be referenced in the Article.