Permissioned Blockchain Network Control for Automated Reconfiguration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Permissioned blockchain networks require complex and time-consuming configuration to set up and maintain, particularly in dynamic environments where network entities grow and shrink, complicating tasks like establishing permissions, authenticated identities, and certificates.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain network control system that uses network entity definitions to automatically establish and maintain a permissioned blockchain network, monitoring for deviations and regenerating the network to match a target architecture, allowing for easier configuration and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used to establish permissions, authenticated identities, and certificates in permissioned blockchain networks, then the network can be set up and maintained, but the process becomes delicate and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining network entity definitions (NEDs) that contain all necessary configuration parameters, identities, and permissions before the blockchain network is instantiated. This allows the network to be automatically configured without time-consuming manual setup during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain network control system automatically manages the configuration of permissions, identities, and certificates by reading from predefined NEDs and executing instantiation processes without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-configuring and self-maintaining.
2Reliability
If permissioned blockchain networks are configured manually to ensure proper permissions and identities, then the network can operate securely, but the complexity of setup and maintenance increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses network entity definitions (NEDs) as template copies that contain predefined configuration data, identities, and permissions. These NEDs are copied and instantiated to create network entities, eliminating the need to manually configure each entity from scratch and reducing configuration complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration process is segmented into separate, manageable components: NEDs store configuration data, the control system processes instantiation requests, and individual network entities are created independently. This segmentation allows complex configuration to be broken down into simpler, automated steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blockchain network is allowed to grow and shrink dynamically based on demand, then the network becomes more adaptable, but the configuration process becomes further complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic scaling by allowing the blockchain network to grow and shrink based on demand while maintaining configuration simplicity. Predefined NEDs can be instantiated multiple times or modified as needed, allowing the network to adapt dynamically without requiring complex reconfiguration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The network entity definitions (NEDs) serve as universal templates that can be reused across different network entities and scaling scenarios. A single NED can be instantiated to create multiple network entities, providing a universal configuration mechanism that works for both small and large network configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A blockchain network control system and method is disclosed. The system includes a processor coupled to a storage comprising a plurality of network entity definitions each defining a different network entity that make up a target network architecture for a permissioned blockchain network. The system also includes a control object communicatively coupled to an ordering service and a plurality of organizations. The plurality of organizations was established by the blockchain network control system by instantiating the organizational membership service provider, registering and enrolling each peer node within each organization, storing the cryptographic identity generated for the peer node, and then instantiating the plurality of peer nodes. The ordering service was established by the blockchain network control system by instantiating the ordering membership service provider, registering and enrolling each orderer node belonging to the ordering service, storing the cryptographic identity generated for the orderer node, and then instantiating the orderer nodes.