The Factom Protocol in a Blockchain Environment

Glossary

Term DefinitionsBlockchainA distributed ledger technology that records information in a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof manner.Factom ProtocolA protocol built on top of other blockchains (such as the Bitcoin blockchain) for recording and verifying data in a cost-effective manner.EntryThe fundamental unit of data in the Factom protocol, which can be any type of information.EntryChainA chronological collection of entries, defined by the client and associated with a unique identifier (Chain ID).Client ValidationThe process that allows a client to verify an entry before adding it to the blockchain.Distributed ConsensusA mechanism used by the Factom protocol to ensure that all network participants agree on the state of the entry chain.Blockchain AnchorThe process of binding the security of the Factom protocol to another blockchain (such as the Bitcoin blockchain).FactoidThe native cryptocurrency of the Factom protocol, used to pay network fees.Entry Points are used to pay for adding entries to the Factom protocol and can be redeemed from Factoids.ServersA Factom network node responsible for verifying and recording entries to the blockchain.Directory LayerThe layer in the Factom protocol that organizes the Merkle root of the entry chain. Entry Block A block containing one or more entries, linked together in chronological order to form a chain of entries. Directory Block A block containing the Merkle root of multiple entry blocks, linked together in chronological order to form a directory layer. Digital Contract A contract that is automatically executed on a blockchain. Contract Identifier A unique identifier used in a blockchain to reference a digital contract. Contract Parameters Parameters that define the terms and conditions of a digital contract. Private Blockchain A blockchain controlled and managed by a single entity. Cryptocurrency A digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Token A tradable unit on a blockchain that represents a digital asset or utility. Credit Token A token issued by an entity that can be used to pay for goods, services, or access to a blockchain network. Tradeable Token A token that can be traded on an exchange and whose value is determined by market forces. Data Layer Servers Servers responsible for managing and maintaining the blockchain's data layer. Validation Service A service that verifies the integrity of entries and digital contracts. Cryptographic Proof A cryptographic signature that verifies the integrity of information recorded on a blockchain. Public Blockchain A blockchain that anyone can participate in and access. A single cryptographic address A unique address used to receive and send cryptocurrency on a blockchain network. Transaction Records Information that records transactions that have occurred on a blockchain. Gas station A service that allows users to buy or sell cryptocurrency using traditional currency or other cryptocurrencies. Account A cryptocurrency balance held by a user at a gas station. Hash algorithm A mathematical function that converts data of arbitrary length into a fixed-length hash value. Hash value A unique and tamper-proof representation of data generated using a hash algorithm. Network resource A server, database, or other computing resource that provides or executes digital contract services. Virtual machine A software emulation of a computer system that can be used to execute digital contracts. Cryptographic association A unique identifier generated using a hash algorithm that is used to associate a digital contract with the virtual machine that executes the contract. Decision table A table that determines an output value based on a set of input conditions. A set of criteria defined in a decision table by a rule or logical condition that determines an output value. Input Data provided to a decision table that determines an output value. Decision output A value determined by a decision table based on the inputs and rules. Table identifier A unique identifier used in blockchains to reference decision tables.

Short answer question

Explain how the Factom protocol solves the cost and efficiency problems of traditional blockchains.

The Factom protocol solves the cost and efficiency problems of traditional blockchains by separating data storage from transaction processing. Instead of storing all data on the main blockchain, it creates hashes of data records and anchors these hashes to a more secure blockchain (like the Bitcoin blockchain). This approach reduces the amount of data stored on the blockchain, making it more cost-effective and efficient.

What is the role of entry chains in the Factom protocol?

Entry chains are the fundamental data structure in the Factom protocol. They are a chronological collection of entries that are defined by the client and associated with a unique identifier (chain ID). Anyone can create an entry chain to record any type of information, and once created, the data on that chain cannot be altered.

How does the Factom protocol leverage distributed consensus?

The Factom protocol leverages a distributed consensus mechanism to ensure that all network participants agree on the state of the entry chain. A network of servers collectively validates and records entries, and a majority consensus must be reached before any information is recorded. This approach ensures data integrity and tamper-proofing.

Differentiate between Factoids and Entry Points.

Factoids are the native cryptocurrency of the Factom protocol and are used to pay network fees. Entry Points are separate tokens used to pay for adding entries to the Factom protocol and can be redeemed from Factoids. This dual-token system decouples Factom’s value from its utility as a data integrity protocol.

How do digital contracts work in a Factom-based blockchain environment?

In a Factom-based blockchain environment, digital contracts can be managed and executed by recording contract identifiers and parameters on the blockchain. These identifiers and parameters can then be linked to the actual contract code stored on an off-chain server. This approach allows for more complex contracts to be executed without overburdening the blockchain.

Explain the purpose of the blockchain data layer in the Factom ecosystem.

The blockchain data layer acts as a permanent and tamper-proof record of all transactions and data in the Factom ecosystem. It stores hashes of entry chains, digital contracts, and cryptographic proofs, providing a secure and reliable foundation for the integrity and auditability of information.

How do cryptographic proofs enhance the security of the Factom protocol?

A cryptographic proof is a cryptographic signature that verifies the integrity of information recorded on the blockchain. In Factom, cryptographic proofs are used to verify the integrity of entries, entry blocks, and directory blocks. These proofs ensure that data has not been tampered with and can be traced back to its source.

Discuss the complementarity of public and private blockchains in the context of the Factom Protocol.

The Factom Protocol can be used with both public and private blockchains to enhance security and transparency. Private blockchains can be used to record sensitive data or data that requires permission control, while Factom can be used to create a tamper-proof public record of these private blockchain transactions.

What role do gas stations play in a Factom-based blockchain environment?

Gas stations act as gateways or access points in a Factom-based blockchain environment. They allow users to buy or sell Factoids or entry points using traditional currencies or other cryptocurrencies. Users can then use these tokens to pay for various services related to the Factom Protocol.

How does the Factom Protocol handle scalability to accommodate growing transaction volumes?

The Factom Protocol addresses scalability issues through its layered architecture and use of off-chain data storage and processing. This approach reduces the load on the blockchain, enabling it to handle a large number of transactions without compromising performance or security.