A computer-implemented method for communicating shared blockchain data

A computer-implemented method for communicating shared blockchain data

Term Definitions Blockchain A data structure that stores transactions in a way that makes them immutable. Distributed Ledger System (DLS) A system that enables participating entities to conduct transactions and store data securely and immutably, also known as a consensus network or blockchain network. Consensus Node A node that participates in a consensus protocol and performs the work of adding blocks to the blockchain. Consensus Protocol A protocol used in a blockchain network to ensure that all nodes agree on the state of the blockchain, such as Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT). Merkle Tree A data structure in which the data at the leaf nodes of the tree are hashed, and all hash values ​​in each branch of the tree are cascaded at the root of that branch. Merkle Root Hash A hash value representing all the data stored in the Merkle tree, stored in the block header. Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT)A consensus protocol that provides tolerance to Byzantine faults by assuming that failures (e.g., node failures and/or manipulated messages) will occur in PBFT implementations. State DataData that describes the current state of a blockchain network, such as account balances, smart contract code, etc. Block DataData contained in each block in a blockchain, such as a block header, block body, etc. Index DataIndex information used to quickly find and retrieve blockchain data. Content-addressable State TreeA data structure in which the value of each node can be addressed by the hash value of its content, such as a Merkle Patricia Tree (MPT). Fixed-depth Merkle Tree (FDMT)A fixed-depth Merkle tree used to store state data, which can be divided into current state data associated with the current block and historical state data associated with all blocks. Key-value Pair (KVP)A data storage method in which each data value is associated with a unique key. Proof of Authority (POA)A consensus mechanism where pre-selected nodes are authorized to verify and add to the blockchain. Simplified Payment Verification (SPV)A method that allows a node to verify that a transaction has been included in a block without downloading the entire blockchain. Cloud Storage DeviceA storage device that provides storage services on the cloud, such as Network Attached Storage (NAS) or Object Storage Service (OSS).

Short Answer Questions

What is a Distributed Ledger System (DLS)?

Explain the role of Merkle Trees in blockchain.

What is the basic principle of Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT)?

Distinguish between symmetric and asymmetric encryption.

What is a content-addressed state tree, and give examples?

How does a fixed-depth Merkle tree (FDMT) solve the state data storage problem?

Explain what "cold data" and "hot data" mean in the context of blockchain.

How does Proof of Authority (POA) work in a blockchain network?

Briefly describe how Simplified Payment Verification (SPV) works.

What role can a shared storage node play in a blockchain network?

Answer

A distributed ledger system (DLS) is a system that allows multiple parties to securely share and synchronize data. It uses cryptography to ensure the integrity and immutability of data. A blockchain network is an implementation of a DLS.

The Merkle tree is used to efficiently verify transactions in a blockchain. It does this by combining transaction hashes in pairs to eventually generate a root hash called a Merkle root hash. Any change to a transaction results in a change to its hash and the final Merkle root hash, thus ensuring the integrity of the data.

PBFT is a fault-tolerant consensus protocol that allows consensus to be reached in the presence of some faulty nodes. It ensures that all non-faulty nodes agree on the same state through multiple rounds of communication and message verification.

Symmetric encryption uses the same key for encryption and decryption, while asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys: a public key and a private key. The public key can be shared publicly, while the private key must be kept secret.

A content-addressed state tree is a data structure in which the value of each node can be addressed by the hash of its content. For example, the Merkle Patricia Tree (MPT) is a content-addressed state tree that is used by Ethereum to store the world state.

FDMT solves the state data storage problem by dividing the state data into "hot" data and "cold" data. Hot data is stored locally, while cold data can be stored in shared storage nodes or cloud storage devices, saving storage space.

In the blockchain environment, "hot" data refers to frequently accessed data, such as the state information associated with the current block. "Cold" data refers to infrequently accessed data, such as the state information associated with historical blocks.

In the POA consensus mechanism, pre-selected nodes are authorized to verify and add to the blockchain. These nodes are usually selected by the network owner or administrator and are considered trustworthy.

SPV allows nodes to verify transactions by downloading only the block header and the Merkle path associated with a specific transaction without downloading the entire blockchain.

Shared storage nodes can store historical state data, block data, or both to reduce the storage burden of consensus nodes and improve the efficiency of the entire blockchain network.

Argumentative paper title

Discuss the advantages and challenges of implementing shared storage in blockchain networks.

Compare and contrast different consensus protocols, such as PBFT and POA, and their impact on shared storage.

Analyze the pros and cons of integrating cloud storage into blockchain networks for data storage.

Explain how to optimize storage efficiency in blockchain networks while ensuring data integrity and security.

Discuss future trends in blockchain technology and shared storage, and their potential impact on different industries (e.g., finance, supply chain, healthcare).