Master Blockchain for Tamper-Proof Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blockchain systems are vulnerable to attacks like the '51% attack' where an attacker can manipulate consensus by controlling a sufficient number of nodes, compromising the integrity of the blockchain, especially in scenarios where multiple blockchains are interconnected.
Innovation Solution
A network system with multiple sub-networks, each having its own blockchain, where a parent sub-network acts as a master blockchain, validating and approving blocks across sub-networks to ensure tamper-proof storage by requiring consensus from multiple nodes, thereby increasing security and preventing unauthorized modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single blockchain network is used to store data, then the system is simpler to operate, but it becomes vulnerable to attacks where controlling a sufficient number of nodes (51% attack) allows manipulation of the consensus process and future blockchain expansions
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple independent subnetworks (first subnetwork, second subnetwork, etc.), each operating as a separate consensus entity. This segmentation prevents a single point of failure and makes it mathematically infeasible for an attacker to control enough nodes across all subnetworks simultaneously, thereby resolving the vulnerability to 51% attacks while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchains from multiple subnetworks are nested within a master blockchain structure. Each subnetwork's blockchain is incorporated into the master blockchain through cryptographic linking, creating a hierarchical nested structure where the master blockchain validates and integrates blocks from subordinate blockchains. This nested architecture enhances security without requiring complete redesign of individual subnetwork operations
2Reliability
If multiple subnetworks with separate blockchains are used, then security against attacks is improved, but the system complexity and validation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The master blockchain serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a validation authority for all subnetworks, maintains a consolidated ledger of all subnetwork transactions, and provides a unified interface for cross-subnetwork operations. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating validation responsibilities in a single hierarchical layer rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer validation across all nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The master blockchain acts as an intermediary layer between the multiple subnetworks. Instead of requiring direct validation and communication between all nodes of all subnetworks (which would create exponential complexity), the master blockchain mediates by validating blocks from subnetworks and coordinating consensus, thereby simplifying the validation process while maintaining security
3Ease of operation
If nodes in a subnetwork can independently add blocks, then the system is more decentralized and easier to operate, but attackers can manipulate consensus by controlling sufficient nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The node population is segmented into subnetwork-specific nodes that maintain decentralization within each subnetwork, and master-level nodes that participate in overall consensus. This segmentation allows operational independence at the subnetwork level while providing coordinated security at the master level, making consensus manipulation infeasible without controlling nodes across multiple segmented networks simultaneously
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the tamper-proof storage of data in a first blockchain (210) of a plurality of blockchains using a network system (100). The network system (100) comprises a plurality of slave subnetworks (102, 104), one of the blockchains (210) of the plurality of blockchains being associated with each slave subnetwork (102, 104) and each slave subnetwork (102, 104) comprising a plurality of data processing units. The data processing units form nodes (110, 112, 114) of the corresponding slave subnetwork (102, 104). The network system (100) also comprises a master subnetwork (106), a master blockchain (230) being associated with the slave subnetwork (106) and the master subnetwork (106) comprising at least one selected node (112, 114) from each slave subnetwork (102, 104) of the plurality of slave subnetworks (102, 104). The method comprises: performing a first validity check of a first additional block via the first slave subnetwork (104); in the event of a positive result of the first validity check, performing a second validity check of the first additional block via the master subnetwork (106); and in the event of a positive result of the second validity check, adding the first additional block to the master blockchain (230) and enabling the addition of the first additional block to the first blockchain (210).