Let's see how the IBFT consensus protocol works at a level that will make us comfortable enough to build DApps. We won't go in depth into IBFT as it's not necessary.
IBFT is a type of proof-of-authority protocol. In IBFT, there are two kinds of nodes: validator nodes (referred to as authorities when they are linked to physical entities) and regular nodes. Authority nodes are the ones that create blocks. IBFT is used in a network where there is a need for BFT, blocktime up to a few seconds is good enough, and we need a single confirmation (the absence of regular forks).
The system can tolerate at most F Byzantium or crashed nodes in a N validator nodes network that is, F = (N-1)/3 . The default block time in IBFT is between one to ten seconds and Quorum does allow you to customize this.
In IBFT, a round involves creating and committing a new block to the blockchain. A new round is started once a new block is committed in the (2F + 1) validators blockchain....