Blockchain Scalability, Decentralization

Describe the difference between Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) and Contract Accounts in a blockchain network.

How are blocks in a blockchain linked together and what role does this linking serve?

Briefly explain the concept of “Proof of Work” (PoW) in blockchain technology.

According to the DSS framework, what is the relationship between scalability, decentralization, and security?

How does increasing the block size affect the scalability and decentralization of a blockchain network?

Explain the purpose of the DSS unified model and its use in evaluating scalability solutions.

Distinguish between on-chain and off-chain scalability approaches and give examples.

In a blockchain system, how do private and public blockchains work together to enhance scalability and cost-effectiveness?

What is a smart contract mirror and how does it benefit blockchain applications?

Describe the potential application of a bulletin board messaging framework in a multi-chain network.

Answer

EOAs are owned and controlled by users and initiate all transactions on the blockchain. Contract accounts are created by EOAs and are controlled by the code stored in the account.

Blocks are linked together by including the hash of their parent block header. This link creates an immutable chain of transaction records, ensuring the integrity of the blockchain.

PoW is a consensus mechanism that requires a lot of computing power to solve a complex mathematical problem. The first miner to solve the problem adds the block to the blockchain and is rewarded.

The DSS framework states that it is impossible to achieve high levels of scalability, decentralization, and security at the same time. Increasing one metric usually results in a decrease in the other or both.

Increasing block size improves scalability (more transactions can be processed) but increases storage and processing requirements, leading to less decentralization (since only more powerful nodes can participate).

The DSS Unified Model provides a standardized way to compare different blockchain scalability approaches and quantify their benefits based on DSS levels.

On-chain scalability approaches, such as sharding, modify the blockchain protocol directly, while off-chain scalability approaches, such as state channels, run transactions outside the blockchain.

Private blockchains can handle frequent transactions and periodically sync with the public blockchain, providing faster transaction speeds and lower fees while maintaining security.

Smart contract mirroring involves deploying the same smart contract on both private and public blockchain networks. This process allows for fast and cost-effective transaction processing on private chains while ensuring security and transparency on public chains.

Bulletin boards can facilitate transaction and data routing in multi-chain networks, enabling efficient communication and interoperability between different blockchains.

Essay Questions

Discuss the importance of achieving and maintaining decentralization in blockchain networks. What potential risks are associated with reduced decentralization?

Using real-world examples, compare and contrast on-chain and off-chain scalability approaches. Analyze the pros and cons of each approach and the use case scenarios for which it is best suited.

Explain how the DSS Unified Model can inform decision-making during blockchain development. Give examples of how organizations can use the model to determine the best trade-offs for their specific applications.

Explore the benefits of using private and public blockchains together. Describe how private-public blockchain integration can enhance use cases in areas such as supply chain management or digital identity.

Analyze the different components of the bulletin board messaging framework and how it works in the context of a multi-chain network. Discuss how the framework facilitates scalability, interoperability, and security.

Glossary

Blockchain: A distributed and immutable ledger used to record transactions in a secure and transparent manner.

Scalability: The ability of a blockchain network to handle a growing number of transactions.

Decentralization: Distributing decision-making power and trust across multiple nodes in a network, rather than relying on a central authority.

Security: The ability of a blockchain network to resist attacks and malicious activity.

Externally Owned Account (EOA): An account controlled by a user and used to initiate blockchain transactions.

Contract Account: An account that stores and executes smart contract code.

Proof of Work (PoW): A consensus mechanism that requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems in order to add blocks to the blockchain.

DSS Framework: A model that highlights the trade-offs between scalability, decentralization, and security in blockchain networks.

DSS Unified Model: A standardized method for quantifying the impact of different scalability solutions on DSS levels.

On-chain scalability: A method for improving scalability by directly modifying the blockchain protocol (e.g., sharding).

Off-chain scalability: A method for improving scalability by running transactions outside the blockchain (e.g., state channels).

Private blockchain: A restricted blockchain network where participants need permission to join.

Public blockchain: An open blockchain network that anyone can participate in.

Smart Contract Mirroring: Deploy the same smart contracts on private and public blockchain networks to improve scalability and interoperability.

Bulletin Board Messaging Framework: A distributed system for efficiently routing and processing transactions in a multi-chain network.