How decentralized is Aptos Really ?
In the world of decentralized networks, Aptos is becoming a name to be reckoned with. But the lingering question is: how truly decentralized is Aptos?
To uncover this, we've analyzed the distribution of Aptos' validator nodes based on ISPs, countries, and continents. Let’s uncover the facts.
ISP Dominance in Aptos
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) play a pivotal role in determining the decentralization of any network:
- The dominant trio: Amazon.com, Inc. (20%), OVH SAS (14%), and Amazon Technologies Inc. (13%) jointly account for 47% of all Aptos nodes. Such a concentration in just three ISPs may raise eyebrows regarding Aptos' decentralization claims.
- The subsequent majority includes:
- Hetzner Online GmbH: 11%
- Google LLC: 8%
- The Constant Company: 5%
- Amazon.com: 4%
- A plethora of ISPs hold a minor stake, each constituting between 1-3% of the nodes.
- An interesting player is Hetzner Online GmbH, accounting for 11%. While they are a prominent host for Aptos nodes, it's noteworthy that Hetzner had previously taken an abrupt measure against Solana, another decentralized network. Hetzner had banned over 1000 Solana nodes. This raised serious concerns about Solana's decentralization and resilience against potential censorship. Even with this history, a tenth of Aptos' network relies on Hetzner, which could be seen as a risky move by the Aptos community. The episodes with Solana highlight the challenges decentralized networks face when relying on centralized hosting solutions.
Aptos' Global Footprint: Country-wise Analysis
A truly decentralized network should ideally have a broad geographical distribution. Here's how Aptos fares:
- European prominence is evident with countries like Ireland and Germany, each accounting for 11%.
- South Korea and the United States also hold considerable sway, each boasting 10% of the nodes.
- Various other nations, including Singapore, Finland, Canada, and Japan, play significant roles, showcasing a relatively diversified distribution.
Continental Canvas
Taking a step back to observe the broader geographical canvas:
- Europe is the undeniable leader, commanding 50% of Aptos' validator nodes. This showcases Europe as a hotspot for Aptos' infrastructure.
- Asia, with a 27.3% share, underscores its burgeoning interest and investment in Aptos.
- North America's 17.3% indicates a strong but comparatively subdued presence.
Decentralization Verdict for Aptos
From the data:
- ISP Level: Centralization concerns arise with the top three ISPs. Moreover, the reliance on Hetzner, given its history with Solana, could be viewed as a potential vulnerability.
- Geographically: Aptos displays a commendable degree of decentralization. While Europe is dominant, the network has a reasonably diverse global footprint, indicating a widespread acceptance and infrastructure.
In wrapping up, Aptos has displayed a mixed bag when it comes to decentralization. While geographically decentralized, its ISP choices might raise eyebrows. It's imperative for the community and stakeholders to recognize these aspects as the network further evolves.
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