Node Observer Plug-in Isolates Blockchain Nodes via Proof of Innocence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current blockchain technology lacks the ability to isolate nodes from a blockchain network based on suspicious activity, which can compromise the security and functionality of the network.
Innovation Solution
A system is configured to operate in a decentralized peer-to-peer network, utilizing network topology storage to store transaction data and parameters, and a node observer plug-in to analyze transactions, calculate a proof of innocence value, and compare it to thresholds to determine whether to isolate or reinstate nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes are made immutable in a distributed ledger, then security and transparency are improved, but the ability to isolate suspicious nodes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments node identity into two independent components: the immutable ledger identity (public key) and the mutable node observer identity (UUID). This segmentation allows the ledger to maintain immutability while enabling flexible node isolation through the mutable observer identity that can be banned without affecting the underlying immutable ledger structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The node observer plug-in acts as an intermediary layer between the immutable ledger and the network participation logic. It monitors transactions, evaluates suspicious activity, and enforces bans by rejecting transactions from banned nodes, thereby enabling node isolation without modifying the immutable ledger itself.
2Reliability
If nodes are made immutable, then security is improved, but functionality to remove malicious nodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the node management functionality from the immutable ledger core and places it in the separate node observer plug-in. This extraction allows administrators to ban or unban nodes through the observer layer without requiring any changes to the immutable ledger, making node removal operationally easy while preserving ledger security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of node identification from a single immutable value to a combination of immutable ledger identity and mutable observer identity. The mutable observer identity parameter can be changed (banned/unbanned) without affecting the immutable ledger, enabling easy node management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proof of innocence calculation is implemented, then node reinstatement capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The node observer plug-in provides self-service functionality by automatically monitoring transactions, calculating proof of innocence metrics, and managing node bans/unbans based on configured thresholds. This automation reduces the need for manual intervention and complex administrative procedures, making the system more manageable despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the node observer continuously monitors node behavior, calculates proof of innocence values, and automatically adjusts node status (ban/unban) based on whether thresholds are met. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic node reinstatement without requiring complex manual review processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to isolating and reinstating nodes in a distributed ledger using proof of innocence. In some embodiments, a first plug-in embedded with the blockchain network may monitor consumer-initiated transactions submitted to an enterprise organization node to determine the legitimacy of each consumer-initiated transaction. The first plug-in may identify consumer-initiated transactions associated with malicious activity and may flag the consumer node for further analysis. A second plug-in may identify and analyze the consumer-initiated transactions associated with the consumer node to determine a proof of innocence value associated with the consumer node. The first plug-in may isolate the consumer node from the distributed ledger if the proof of innocence value exceeds a proof of innocence threshold. Alternatively, the first plug-in may permit the consumer node to remain within the distributed ledger if the proof of innocence value falls below the proof of innocence threshold.