Research on Blockchain Domain Name System
Glossary
Term DefinitionDistributed Ledger System (DLS) A database system that allows multiple parties to participate in maintaining shared, immutable records, also known as a blockchain network. Blockchain An immutable list of records that stores data in chronological order, with each block linked to the previous block and protected using cryptography. Blockchain Instance An implementation or deployment of a blockchain based on a specific blockchain platform or technology, such as the Ethereum mainnet. Unified Blockchain Domain Name (UBCDN) A unique identifier for a blockchain instance, consisting of a human-readable label and a corresponding chain identifier. The human-readable portion of a blockchain domain name UBCDN, such as "example.chain". Chain identifier A portion of the UBCDN that indicates the configuration of a blockchain network, such as the hash of the genesis block and the network ID. Genesis block The first block in a blockchain. Network identifier An identifier that distinguishes different blockchain networks, such as the Ethereum mainnet and testnet. Relay A node or blockchain that connects different blockchain instances to enable cross-chain interactions. Certificate Authority (CA) A trusted entity responsible for issuing and managing digital certificates used to verify the identity of the UBCDN owner. Domain name certificate is a certificate issued by the CA to the owner of the UBCDN to prove its ownership of the blockchain domain name. UBCDN message is a message containing the UBCDN, digital signature and domain name certificate, which is used to verify the validity of the UBCDN.
Short answer questions
What is a distributed ledger system (DLS)? How does it relate to a blockchain network?
A distributed ledger system (DLS) is a database system that allows multiple parties to participate in maintaining a shared, immutable data record. A blockchain network is an implementation of DLS that uses cryptography and distributed consensus mechanisms to ensure the security and integrity of data.
Explain the concept of "blockchain instance" and provide an example.
A blockchain instance refers to an implementation or deployment of a blockchain based on a specific blockchain platform or technology. For example, the Ethereum mainnet is a blockchain instance, which is a public, decentralized blockchain network based on Ethereum technology.
What is the Unified Blockchain Domain Name (UBCDN)? What is its purpose?
UBCDN is a unique identifier for a blockchain instance, designed to simplify cross-chain interactions in a blockchain network. It consists of a human-readable label and a corresponding chain identifier, making it easier for users to identify and connect to a specific blockchain instance.
What is the difference between "blockchain domain name" and "chain identifier" in UBCDN?
The blockchain domain name is the human-readable part of UBCDN, such as "example.chain", while the chain identifier is the technical part that indicates the configuration of the blockchain network, such as the hash value of the genesis block and the network ID.
What role does the certificate authority (CA) play in the UBCDN management scheme?
The CA is responsible for issuing and managing digital certificates, which are used to verify the identity of the UBCDN owner. By issuing domain name certificates, the CA ensures that only authorized entities can manage and update UBCDN information.
Explain the content of the UBCDN message and its purpose.
The UBCDN message contains the UBCDN, a digital signature, and a domain name certificate. It is used to verify the validity of the UBCDN and ensure that only authorized entities can publish and update UBCDN information.
Describe the general process of cross-chain interaction using UBCDN.
First, the client node needs to obtain the UBCDN of the target blockchain instance. Then, the client node parses the network configuration information of the target blockchain based on the chain identifier in the UBCDN. Finally, the client node uses the parsed network configuration information to connect to the target blockchain instance and conduct cross-chain transactions.
In the UBCDN scheme, how does the relay facilitate the interaction between different blockchain instances?
The relay can connect to different blockchain instances and resolve the network configuration information of the target blockchain based on the UBCDN information, thereby facilitating the interaction between different blockchain instances.
How does the UBCDN scheme solve some challenges in existing cross-chain solutions?
The UBCDN scheme solves some challenges in existing cross-chain solutions, such as the local scope limitation of blockchain IDs and complex cross-chain routing issues, by providing a globally unique blockchain identifier and a simplified addressing mechanism.
What potential impact does the use of UBCDN have on the future development of blockchain technology?
The use of UBCDN can promote the interoperability and scalability of blockchain technology, laying the foundation for building more powerful and flexible blockchain applications and ecosystems.