> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cosmos.network/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> Enterprise-Ready Network Security and Operations

The Proof of Authority (PoA) module is a Cosmos SDK module that enables permissioned consensus for networks requiring controlled participation. A designated administrative authority manages the validator set directly, ensuring that only approved operators participate in block production and governance.

Unlike traditional Proof-of-Stake systems, validator membership is not determined by token staking. Validators are explicitly authorized, updated, and removed through on-chain administrative actions, enabling predictable operations and compliance-aligned governance.

The PoA module is designed for networks that require:

1. **Permissioned Operators:** A configurable administrative authority defines validators and governance participants to meet organizational security, compliance, or consortium requirements.
2. **Instant Validator Updates:** Add, remove, or replace validators, adjust relative validator weights, and rotate keys in a single atomic on-chain action.
3. **Token-Free Operation:** Launch, operate, and govern a network without issuing or managing a native token.
4. **Future-Proof Architecture:** Seamlessly transition to Proof-of-Stake and introduce a token when needed.

## The best available option for Proof of Authority

| Characteristic                                | Alternatives | Cosmos PoA Module |
| --------------------------------------------- | ------------ | ----------------- |
| Compatibility with Cosmos SDK v0.53+          | ✗            | ✓                 |
| Support for token-free operation              | ✗            | ✓                 |
| Flexible governance authority                 | ✗            | ✓                 |
| Programmable penalties (jailing, slashing)    | ✗            | ✓                 |
| Included in Cosmos bug bounty program         | ✗            | ✓                 |
| Ongoing development by Cosmos core developers | ✗            | ✓                 |

## Source Code

The source code for the Proof of Authority module can be found [here](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/tree/main/enterprise/poa).

## Available Documentation

This directory contains detailed documentation for the Proof of Authority module.

* **[API Reference](/enterprise/components/poa/api)** - Complete API reference for gRPC queries and transactions
* **[Architecture](/enterprise/components/poa/architecture)** - System architecture and module integration details
* **[Distribution](/enterprise/components/poa/distribution)** - Fee distribution mechanics and algorithms
* **[Governance](/enterprise/components/poa/governance)** - Governance integration and power-based voting

## Availability

The Proof of Authority module is commercially licensed and available as part of the Cosmos Enterprise subscription.

Contact [institutions@cosmoslabs.io](mailto:institutions@cosmoslabs.io) to learn more about how you can use the Proof of Authority module for your chain.