Horizen (ZEN) is one of the main cryptocurrencies of Bitcoin forks. Horizen (ZEN) is in the TOP 100 cryptocurrencies on capitalization, and currency pairs with it are on the largest exchanges. In addition to the classic protocol for linking Bitcoin crypto nodes, Horizen uses the ZK snark algorithm to ensure privacy. The transaction between the Horizen nodes can take place without disclosure of the recipient, the sender, and the amount of transaction. The Horizen project management structure is more democratic than Bitcoin. Any user can put forward a proposal for network improvement and it will be implemented, if the majority of ZEN nodes' votes are gained. As with Bitcoin, the maximum possible number of Horizen units is limited to 21 million. Like the BTC, one ZEN is divided into 100 million smallest parts. The computation time of the new Horizen (ZEN) block signature has been reduced to 2.5 minutes.

Horizen uses a modified version of the Proof of Work algorithm. While Bitcoin miners receive a 100% block reward, Horizen miners receive a 70% block reward. Another 10% gets the Treasury, the remaining 20% of awards per block are shared by Secure ZEN node operators (10%), and Super ZEN node operators (10%). With financial stimulus for Horizen node owners, the network as a whole becomes more secure, stable, and decentralized than Bitcoin. This is evidenced by the wide network of Horizen nodes: there are more than 20,000 public crypto nodes, which significantly exceeds the number of both Bitcoin and Ethereum public crypto nodes.

The introduction of the Secure Horizen node is one of the main differences from the original Bitcoin algorithm. Their task is to additionally encrypt traffic between free blockchain nodes, preventing third parties from listening. To become one of the Secure Horizen nodes, you need to have a 42 ZEN security deposit on a special wallet. Technical requirements for Secure Horizen node: CPU, RAM, disk space sufficient to start a remote server and to store a full copy of the blockchain, at least 92% uptime, TLS Certificate, software installed from the official Horizen website. The deposit from the wallet Secure Horizen node can be transferred to another wallet ZEN at any time, but the public node will stop working immediately.

The Horizen super node is needed to support side chain infrastructure and run decentralized applications. To become one of the Super ZEN nodes, it is necessary to have a 500 ZEN deposit on a special wallet. Specifications for Super ZEN node: 8GB of RAM memory or more, at least 96% uptime, PC or server with multiple CPU Cores, 100 GB of storage capacity, or more to store a full blockchain copy and support side chain infrastructure. ZenPub, ZenChat, and ZenGrid services are also supported, thanks to the Super ZEN node system. As with the Secure ZEN node, the Super ZEN node wallet can be transferred to another ZEN wallet at any time and the crypto nodes provider will stop working immediately.

Thanks to cooperation with IOHK, which had previously developed projects such as IOTA and Cardano, Horizen Blockchain changed its architecture in comparison with the original blockchain Bitcoin. Horizen nodes are connected using blockDAG technology (directed acyclic graph). The side chain infrastructure is applied, which allows Horizen nodes to execute smart contracts and participate in decentralized applications (DeFi). The side chain free nodes will be able to interact with each other, including the ability to transfer data. All side chains in the Horizen system work independently of each other.