Blockchain Relay Network Block Synchronization Isolation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing blockchain relay communication networks face inefficiencies due to block synchronization operations occupying network links, which reduces the efficiency of timely message transmission and consensus between blockchain nodes, leading to potential deviations in consensus results and impacting the normal operation of the blockchain network.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a historical block synchronization device that handles block synchronization requests independently, reducing the need for network links between relay nodes and allowing for efficient block synchronization without occupying the high-quality bandwidth required for timely message transmission and consensus processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If block synchronization operations are performed through the relay communication network, then block data can be transmitted between blockchain nodes, but the network links are occupied and the efficiency of timely message transmission and consensus is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblock synchronization efficiencyVSAvoidmessage transmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network functions by introducing a dedicated historical block synchronization device separate from the relay communication network. Block synchronization operations are isolated into an independent component, allowing the relay network to focus on timely message transmission and consensus operations without being occupied by block data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The historical block synchronization device acts as an intermediary between blockchain nodes for block data exchange. Instead of nodes communicating directly through the relay network, block synchronization requests are routed through this dedicated intermediary device, preventing occupation of the high-quality relay network links.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If block synchronization requests are handled through relay nodes, then nodes can synchronize blocks, but the high-quality bandwidth required for timely message transmission is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsensus accuracyVSAvoidtransaction transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates consensus-critical communication from block synchronization by creating independent network paths. The relay communication network is dedicated to timely messages and consensus, while block synchronization uses a separate device, ensuring that reliability of consensus is not compromised by synchronization operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The block synchronization function is extracted from the relay communication network and placed in a dedicated historical block synchronization device. This extraction removes the blocking operation from the critical consensus path, allowing high-quality bandwidth to be reserved exclusively for timely message transmission and consensus processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the relay communication network handles all communication including block synchronization, then comprehensive communication is achieved, but network overload occurs and service quality for critical transmissions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork communication capabilityVSAvoidservice quality for critical messages
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides network communication into separate functional segments: the relay communication network handles timely messages and consensus operations, while the historical block synchronization device handles block data transmission. This segmentation prevents network overload by distributing different communication types to appropriate dedicated channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains comprehensive communication capability through a multi-functional architecture where the relay communication network provides universal access for critical operations, and the block synchronization device provides specialized handling for historical block data, together covering all communication needs without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3975507B1Block synchronization methods and apparatuses
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 ALIPAY (HANGZHOU) INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
  • EP3975507B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3975507B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3975507B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

One or more embodiments of this specification provide a block synchronization method and apparatus. The method is applicable to any relay node in a blockchain relay communication network, relay nodes in the blockchain relay communication network are respectively connected to corresponding blockchain nodes in a blockchain network, and the method includes: sending a block obtaining request to a historical block synchronization device in response to a block synchronization request sent by any blockchain node connected, to cause the historical block synchronization device to return a historical block obtained from a blockchain node in the blockchain network; and forwarding the received historical block to the any blockchain node, to cause the any blockchain node to perform block synchronization on stored blocks based on the received historical block.