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description: Components that implement blockchain and consensus protocol
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# System Architecture

The Energy Web Chain is comprised of different components that provide the functionalities determined by the blockchain’s protocol.&#x20;

Broadly speaking, protocols are defined rules and standards. Internet protocols, like HTTP protocol for example, define standard procedures for the transfer of data over the internet.&#x20;

A blockchain network is no different. In a decentralized and self-executing system like a public blockchain, protocols are of significant importance in establishing how the system works, and then ensuring that the system continues to self-execute as designed.&#x20;

Protocols exist to determine specific aspects of blockchain behavior, such as:

* How transactions are validated
* Who gets to validate transactions and when
* How validators are compensated
* How peer nodes interact with each other

The system components below ensure that the Energy Web blockchain adheres to Ethereum's protocols, and the protocols established by OpenEthereum's [Proof-of-Authority consensus engine](https://openethereum.github.io/Proof-of-Authority-Chains). (OpenEthereum is the Ethereum client that is used by the Energy Web Chain. You can read more about the purpose of Ethereum clients [here.](../ewc-guides-and-tutorials/running-a-local-node#what-does-it-mean-to-run-a-node))&#x20;

## System Components

### [1. System Contracts](system-architecture/system-contracts)

System Contracts are [smart contracts ](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/smart-contracts/)that implement the  [Authority Roundtable Proof-of-Authority consensus engine](https://openethereum.github.io/Proof-of-Authority-Chains) protocols.  Read more about Energy Web's system contracts [here. ](system-architecture/system-contracts)

### [2. Validator Node Architecture](system-architecture/validator-node-architecture)

The validator node architecture monitors validator behavior to ensure consistent and secure blockchain operation.  Read more about the validator node architecture [here. ](system-architecture/validator-node-architecture)

## Related Content

{% content-ref url="system-architecture/proof-of-authority-consensus-mechanism" %}
[proof-of-authority-consensus-mechanism](system-architecture/proof-of-authority-consensus-mechanism)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="system-architecture/validator-node-architecture" %}
[validator-node-architecture](system-architecture/validator-node-architecture)
{% endcontent-ref %}

