Blockchain Node Addition Without Network Disruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adding nodes to a blockchain network often disrupt normal operations, requiring system halting or node deletion and reactivation, leading to downtime and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves a current consensus node obtaining and executing transactions to add a new node, numbering it in the node list, and performing view changes to integrate the new node without disrupting the network, using blockchain contracts and synchronizing with existing nodes to maintain consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing methods are used to add a node to the blockchain network, then the node can be added to the network, but the normal operations of the blockchain network are disrupted and system downtime occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode addition capabilityVSAvoidnetwork operation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by creating a placeholder entry for the new node in the node list before the node actually joins the network. This placeholder reserves the node's position and allows the network to continue operating without disruption while the node completes its synchronization and join process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The node addition process is segmented into distinct phases: placeholder creation, node synchronization, and activation. This segmentation allows the network to prepare for the new node without halting operations, separating the administrative task of node registration from the technical process of node integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the entire blockchain system is halted to perform node addition, then the node can be properly integrated into the consensus mechanism, but the system experiences downtime and operational disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode integration consistencyVSAvoidsystem downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by creating a placeholder entry for the new node in the node list before the node actually joins the network. This placeholder reserves the node's position and allows the network to continue operating without disruption while the node completes its synchronization and join process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blockchain network maintains continuous operation during node addition by allowing consensus operations to proceed with the existing set of nodes. The new node is integrated into the network structure without interrupting the ongoing consensus verification and block production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a node is deleted and then added back as an activated consensus node, then the node can rejoin the network, but the node must disconnect from the network before being added back

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode reactivation capabilityVSAvoidnode rejoining process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by creating a placeholder entry for the new node in the node list before the node actually joins the network. This placeholder reserves the node's position and allows the network to continue operating without disruption while the node completes its synchronization and join process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3688618B1System and method for adding node in blockchain network
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 ADVANCED NEW TECHNOLOGIES CO LTD
  • EP3688618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3688618B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3688618B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for adding a node in a blockchain network are provided. One of the methods includes: obtaining, by a current consensus node of the blockchain network, a first transaction comprising a first request for adding the node as a new consensus node of the blockchain network; in response to that consensus verification of the first transaction succeeds, executing the first transaction and numbering the node in a node list based on numbers of a plurality of current consensus nodes of the blockchain network; and performing view change for the node to participate in future consensus verification as the new consensus node of the blockchain network.