P2P Consensus Data Storage for Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage systems for networked sensors and actuators face issues of reliability and redundancy, particularly due to single points of failure in centralized systems and computational intensity in distributed ledgers, which are not feasible for sensors with limited processing power.
Innovation Solution
A peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol is used for data block construction and consensus generation among networked nodes, allowing each node to maintain a local copy of the data chain and collaborate to create consensus blocks, eliminating the need for intense computations and single points of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized repository is used for data storage, then data storage is simplified, but reliability and redundancy are compromised due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized storage system into multiple distributed nodes, each maintaining a copy of the data chain. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure while preserving data storage functionality across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
Each network node creates and maintains a copy of the data chain, ensuring that data is replicated across multiple locations. This copying mechanism provides redundancy and reliability without requiring a complex centralized architecture.
2Reliability
If conventional distributed ledgers with proof of work are used, then data security is improved, but computational requirements become too intensive for sensor nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive proof of work mechanism from the system and replaces it with a simpler consensus approach based on cryptographic hashes and node verification. This removes the energy burden while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the consensus mechanism parameters from computational intensity (proof of work) to cryptographic verification (hash-based consensus). This parameter change maintains security guarantees while dramatically reducing energy consumption for sensor nodes.
3Reliability
If conventional distributed ledgers are used, then data redundancy is achieved, but the requirement for back end key infrastructure makes them infeasible for sensor networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables sensor nodes to self-organize into a peer-to-peer network without requiring external key infrastructure. Each node independently generates cryptographic keys and participates in consensus, making the system self-sufficient and suitable for sensor networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data storage solution that works across different sensor network configurations without requiring specific infrastructure. The system adapts to various sensor types and network topologies, providing broad applicability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a reliable and redundant data storage system that is resistant to failures and tampering, ensuring data integrity and availability across multiple network nodes without requiring extensive computational resources.
Implementation Method 1
The first network node may generate a first data block containing a cryptographic hash derived from the secret root information and data generated or received by the first network node
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing reliability and redundancy of data for networked nodes (e.g., sensors and/or actuators) is provided. Each sensor may operate as network node in the sensor network that may operate as a peer to peer (P2P) consensus network. Each network node may maintain its local copy of a data chain and may generate a data block for updating the data chain. After a threshold number of network nodes generate the same consensus block from the data block, each network node may update its local data chain by appending the consensus block thereto.