Distributed Network Read Snapshots for Efficient Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed networks, such as blockchain networks, face limitations in providing users with efficient access to computational results due to the complexity and resource-intensive nature of existing consensus protocols, which can hinder user access and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A distributed network architecture that separates the consensus and execution processes, allowing for deterministic execution of messages by an execution subset of nodes, with regular read snapshots of unit states provided to users, and utilizing consensus protocols like proof-of-stake to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If consensus protocols like proof-of-work are used to validate transactions and create blocks, then network security and reliability are improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network nodes into different subsets with different functions: a first subset performs consensus protocols to validate transactions and create blocks, while a second subset provides read access to computational results. This segmentation allows security-critical operations to be handled by a dedicated consensus subset while enabling efficient read access through a separate execution subset, resolving the contradiction between security and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces read snapshots as an intermediary mechanism that captures the state of computational units at specific points in time. These snapshots are stored and made accessible to users without requiring them to participate in or wait for consensus operations. This intermediary layer enables fast read access while the consensus process continues independently, resolving the time contradiction.
2Reliability
If all nodes participate in consensus protocols to validate transactions, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the node population into a first subset that participates in consensus protocols and a second subset that provides execution and read access. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on individual nodes, as not all nodes need to perform both consensus validation and full execution operations, while maintaining overall network reliability through the dedicated consensus subset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates read snapshots that are copies of the computational state at specific points in time. These snapshots are stored and distributed to nodes in the execution subset, allowing them to provide read access without maintaining or processing the full consensus validation logic. This copying mechanism reduces device complexity while preserving reliability.
3Measurement precision
If read access to computational results is provided directly from the blockchain state, then data accuracy is improved, but access speed and user functionality deteriorate due to the resource-intensive nature of consensus protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating read snapshots that capture the computational state at specific points in time before users need to access it. These snapshots are pre-computed and stored in advance, so when users request read access, they receive data immediately without having to wait for or participate in resource-intensive consensus operations. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction between accuracy and access speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces read snapshots as an intermediary layer between the blockchain state and user access. These snapshots provide accurate representations of the computational state at specific points in time while enabling fast read access independent of the consensus process. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction between data accuracy and access speed.
4Reliability
If proof-of-work consensus protocols are used to validate transactions, then network security is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into a first subset that performs energy-intensive consensus validation and a second subset that handles read access operations. This segmentation concentrates energy consumption in the consensus subset where it is necessary for security, while the execution subset can operate with lower energy requirements, overall reducing the total energy footprint while maintaining transaction validation security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses read snapshots as copies of the computational state that can be distributed and accessed without requiring additional energy-intensive processing. These snapshots enable the execution subset to provide read access with minimal energy consumption, while the consensus subset handles the necessary validation work, resolving the contradiction between security and energy use.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a distributed network comprising a plurality of nodes. Each of the plurality of nodes is configured to run one or more computational units comprising its own unit state. The network is configured to individually execute, by an execution subset of the plurality of nodes, s set of execution messages in a deterministic manner, thereby mutating the unit states of one or more of the computational units of the execution subset. The network is further configured to regularly make, by the nodes of the execution subset, a read snapshot of the unit states of the one or more computational units of the execution subset and to provide, by one or more nodes of the execution subset, user access to the read snapshot.Further aspects of the invention relate to a corresponding computer-implemented method, a node, a computer program product and a software architecture.