Research Guide for Multi-layer Storage System of Blockchain

Glossary

Definition of TermsBlockchain is a data structure that records information in chronological order, which is composed of multiple blocks. Each block contains multiple transaction information and is tamper-proof and traceable. Block is the basic unit of blockchain, which contains multiple transaction information, timestamp, hash value and other data. Hash algorithm is an algorithm that converts data of arbitrary length into a fixed-length hash value, such as SHA-256, MD5, etc., which is used to ensure the integrity of blockchain data. Hash digest is a fixed-length value generated by a hash algorithm, which is used to uniquely identify a block or data object. Multi-layer storage system is a system that stores data in different levels of storage media, such as cache, disk and tape, to optimize performance and cost. Cache layer is the fastest and most expensive storage layer in a multi-layer storage system, which usually uses flash memory to store recently accessed data. Disk layer is a storage layer with moderate speed and cost in a multi-layer storage system, which usually uses hard disk to store infrequently accessed data. Tape layer is the slowest and cheapest storage layer in a multi-layer storage system, which usually uses tape to store long-term archived data. Data pointer is information stored in the blockchain ledger, which is used to indicate the location of blocks in the multi-layer storage system. The blockchain ledger stores data pointers and metadata of the blockchain, and is used to track the distribution of the blockchain in the multi-layer storage system. The blockchain appliance manages the hardware devices of the blockchain multi-layer storage, and is responsible for the generation, migration, access and verification of the blockchain. The aging standard is used to determine the conditions for the migration of the blockchain to the next storage layer, such as the time of recent use, access frequency, etc. Archival blockchain A mechanism for protecting the integrity of blockchain data in a multi-layer storage system by wrapping the migrated blockchain blocks in the archived blockchain blocks and linking them using hash chains. Merkle tree A tree-like data structure used to efficiently verify the integrity of large data sets, commonly used in blockchain systems.

Short answer question

Explain how the blockchain is stored in a multi-layer storage system.

The way the blockchain is stored in a multi-layer storage system is to distribute different blocks in different storage tiers. New, frequently accessed blocks are stored in the cache layer, while older, less frequently accessed blocks are migrated to the disk layer or tape layer. The location information of each block is recorded in the blockchain ledger for easy search and access.

Describe the role of the blockchain appliance in the multi-layer storage system.

The blockchain appliance is the core component for managing multi-layer storage of blockchains. It is responsible for the following tasks: receiving data streams and generating blockchain blocks, migrating blocks to different storage tiers based on aging criteria, maintaining blockchain ledgers to track the location of blocks, processing access requests to the blockchain, and verifying the integrity of the blockchain.

List three algorithms used to determine blockchain migration criteria.

Three commonly used blockchain migration algorithms include: Least Recently Used (LRU), Time-Aware Least Recently Used (TALRU), and Adaptive Cache Replacement (ARC). The LRU algorithm migrates blocks that have not been accessed for the longest time to the next storage tier, the TALRU algorithm takes into account the validity period of the blocks, and the ARC algorithm dynamically adjusts the cache strategy based on the access frequency and validity period.

Explain the concept of archived blockchains and their uses.

Archived blockchains are a mechanism for enhancing the security and integrity of blockchain data in multi-layer storage systems. It prevents data tampering by encapsulating migrated blockchain blocks in archived blockchain blocks and linking these blocks using hash chains.

Describe the application of Merkle trees in multi-layer blockchain storage systems.

The Merkle tree data structure can effectively verify the integrity of large data sets, which makes it very suitable for application in multi-layer blockchain storage systems. In such a system, the blockchain blocks in the cache layer can be regarded as the leaf nodes of the Merkle tree, the archived blockchain blocks in the disk layer can be regarded as the intermediate nodes, and the archived blockchain blocks in the tape layer can be regarded as the root nodes.

Explain the role of blockchain data pointers.

Blockchain data pointers are information stored in the blockchain ledger that indicates the specific location of each block in the multi-layer storage system, including the storage level, storage address, and data length. Blockchain appliances use data pointers to locate and access blockchain data.

Explain how multi-layer blockchain storage systems handle access requests to the blockchain.

When receiving an access request to the blockchain, the blockchain appliance queries the blockchain ledger to obtain the data pointer of the relevant block. The blockchain appliance then reads the block data from the corresponding storage level and assembles them into complete blockchain data and returns it to the requester.

List two advantages of multi-layer blockchain storage systems over single-layer storage systems.

Multi-layer blockchain storage systems have the following advantages over single-layer storage systems:

Cost-effectiveness: By storing data with different access frequencies in storage tiers with different costs, storage costs can be reduced.

Performance optimization: Storing frequently accessed data in the cache tier can reduce access latency and improve system performance.

Explain the role of blockchain hash digest in ensuring data integrity.

A blockchain hash digest is a unique identifier generated by a hash algorithm for block data. Any change to block data will result in a change in the hash digest, so the integrity of the data can be verified by comparing the hash digest.

Describe how blockchain multi-layer storage systems handle disaster recovery.

Blockchain multi-layer storage systems typically back up data to geographically remote tape tiers, such as disaster recovery facilities. If the primary storage system fails, the backup data in the tape tier can be used for recovery.

Thesis title

Compare and contrast three different blockchain migration algorithms (e.g., LRU, TALRU, and ARC) and evaluate their performance and efficiency in multi-layer storage systems.

Design and implement a Merkle tree-based multi-layer blockchain storage system with a focus on data integrity, security, and scalability.

Study the performance optimization strategies of blockchain multi-layer storage systems in different application scenarios, such as cryptocurrency trading, supply chain management, and medical record storage.

Analyze the security challenges faced by blockchain multi-layer storage systems and propose corresponding solutions, such as access control, data encryption, and intrusion detection.

Explore the future development trends of blockchain multi-layer storage systems, such as the integration of decentralized storage, edge computing, and artificial intelligence.