Research on the collaboration between blockchain entities and off-chain entities

Research on the collaboration between blockchain entities and off-chain entities

Glossary

Term Definitions Blockchain Entity An entity that participates in a blockchain network and is able to interact directly with it, such as a blockchain provider computer running a smart contract. Off-chain Entity An entity that cannot directly access a blockchain network or cannot reliably utilize a blockchain for verification, such as a smart card, microcontroller, security controller, etc. Authentication Device A trusted third-party device responsible for verifying the identity and request of an off-chain entity and providing digital signatures for collaboration between a blockchain entity and off-chain entities. Digital Signature An electronic signature generated using asymmetric encryption technology to verify the source and integrity of a message and ensure the authenticity and non-repudiation of a transaction. Smart Contract A software code deployed on a blockchain network to automatically execute predefined agreement terms, such as token management, asset transfer, etc. Age Parameter A counter value used to prevent replay attacks, such as a monotonic counter, which can be increased with each operation of a certain type, such as each message exchange between entities. Credit is a digital asset that represents value in a blockchain network, such as tokens, cryptocurrencies, etc., which can be used for transactions or other collaborations. Freeze is a temporary lock of a specific amount of credit on a blockchain entity or off-chain entity to prevent it from being used before a transaction is completed. Blacklist is a list of known malicious or untrustworthy entities (such as devices) that are used to prevent these entities from participating in transactions or other collaborations. Collaboration is any interaction between a blockchain entity and an off-chain entity, including but not limited to asset transfer, instruction delivery, state change, etc. Short answer questions

What is a blockchain entity? How is it different from an off-chain entity? A blockchain entity is an entity that participates in a blockchain network and is able to interact with it directly, such as a blockchain provider computer running a smart contract. Off-chain entities cannot directly access a blockchain network or cannot reliably utilize a blockchain for verification, such as smart cards, microcontrollers, security controllers, etc.

What role does the authentication device play in the collaboration between a blockchain entity and an off-chain entity? The authentication device is responsible for verifying the identity and request of the off-chain entity and providing a digital signature for the collaboration between the blockchain entity and the off-chain entity.

How does a digital signature ensure the security of blockchain transactions? Digital signatures use asymmetric encryption technology to verify the source and integrity of messages, ensure the authenticity and non-repudiation of transactions, and prevent tampering and fraud.

Please explain the chain-to-chain transaction process shown in Figure 2. The requester sends a transaction request to the smart contract, which freezes the corresponding assets and notifies the certification authority. After the certification authority verifies the request, it generates a digital signature and sends it to the smart contract. After the smart contract verifies the signature, it deducts the assets and sends the signature to the off-chain entity, which verifies the signature and adds the corresponding assets.

How is the chain-to-chain transaction process shown in Figure 3 different from that in Figure 2? The transaction in Figure 3 is initiated by the certification authority, not the requester, but the subsequent process is similar to Figure 2, both of which require verification and digital signatures from the certification authority.

Please explain the off-chain-to-chain transaction process shown in Figure 4. The requester sends a transaction request to the off-chain entity, which freezes the corresponding assets, generates a digital signature and sends it to the smart contract. After the smart contract verifies the signature, it sends a request to the certification authority. After the certification authority verifies the request, it generates a digital signature and sends it to the smart contract. After the smart contract verifies the signature, it adds the corresponding assets.

What role does the age parameter play in preventing replay attacks? The age parameter is a counter value that is updated after each successful transaction, ensuring that each digital signature can only be used once, preventing attackers from reusing previous signatures to attack.

How does an off-chain entity verify a digital signature from a blockchain entity or authentication device? The off-chain entity uses the public key of the authentication device or blockchain entity to verify the digital signature and confirm the authenticity and integrity of the signature.

In addition to asset transfer, what other collaborations can be performed between blockchain entities and off-chain entities? In addition to asset transfer, instruction delivery, such as controlling smart home devices, and state changes, such as updating identity information, can also be performed.

** Why can chip card security products be applied to systems that utilize blockchain technology? ** Chip card security products can act as off-chain entities to securely store and manage digital assets and participate in blockchain applications through collaboration with blockchain entities.

Essay Question

Compare and contrast the transaction flows shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, highlighting the differences and similarities between them.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating age parameters into blockchain transaction flows and analyze their impact on security and efficiency.

Explore potential use cases for blockchain entities collaborating with off-chain entities in real-world applications, such as supply chain management, digital identity, and the Internet of Things.

Analyze the challenges in ensuring secure collaboration between blockchain entities and off-chain entities, and propose solutions to mitigate these risks.

Evaluate the pros and cons of different types of off-chain entities (e.g., smart cards, microcontrollers, security controllers, etc.) in interacting with blockchain networks.