ARK and Glassnode Map Blockchain Decentralization Spectrum

A new report from ARK Invest and Glassnode explores the nuances of decentralization in blockchain networks. The joint study, titled 'The Decentralization Spectrum,' evaluates Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana across four design features: auditability, security, governance, and ownership.

The report uses a six-dimension scoring framework to quantify each network's position on the decentralization spectrum. This framework considers metrics such as hash rate concentration, stake distribution, and exit fluidity. The results show that Bitcoin and Ethereum cross their critical control thresholds with just three entities each, while Solana requires 19.

The study also examines the geography of decentralization, mapping regions, hosting environments, and provider concentration for all three networks. This reveals that Bitcoin's node footprint is the most evenly spread, while Ethereum leans on cloud providers. Solana runs essentially all its infrastructure in data centers by design.