SGX Token-Bucket Flow Control for Distributed Ledgers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control solutions for distributed systems assume trusted endpoints, which is not applicable for untrustworthy participants, and are often tied to digital currency systems, making them costly and inapplicable to non-economic systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a token-bucket flow control policy in a distributed ledger using Software Guard Extensions (SGX) to generate and verify tokens, ensuring secure and trustworthy transaction rate management without relying on digital currencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital currency systems are paired with distributed ledgers to perform transaction flow control, then transaction rate control can be implemented, but the applicability is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control mechanism from the digital currency system by implementing a standalone token-bucket algorithm that operates independently on the distributed ledger. Tokens are generated based on transaction rates and verified by validators without requiring actual currency transactions, thereby separating flow control from economic incentives while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism is segmented into distinct components: token generation based on transaction rates, token verification by validators, and rejection of transactions without valid tokens. This segmentation allows the system to implement rate limiting without requiring a complete digital currency infrastructure.
2Reliability
If digital currency systems are paired with distributed ledgers to perform transaction flow control, then transaction rate control can be implemented, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive digital currency maintenance overhead by implementing a lightweight token-bucket flow control mechanism that uses simple token counters and verification logic rather than complex cryptographic currency systems, significantly reducing computational and energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable tokens with short validity periods that are generated and consumed rapidly. These tokens are simple data structures rather than complex cryptographic assets, making them computationally inexpensive to create and verify while effectively controlling transaction rates.
3Ease of operation
If existing flow control techniques are used in distributed systems, then flow control can be implemented, but they assume trusted endpoints which is not applicable to untrustworthy participants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where validators verify token signatures against the distributed ledger and reject transactions that do not conform to flow control rules. This creates a closed-loop system that actively enforces rate limits and detects violations, making the system reliable even with untrustworthy participants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of token validity before processing transactions by checking signatures against the distributed ledger and validating token counters. This preemptive validation prevents malicious or erroneous transactions from entering the system, counteracting potential threats before they can cause harm.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are generally directed to an apparatus, system, and other techniques for shared, trusted token generation for a token-bucket flow control policy implemented in a distributed ledger. Tokens may be generated by blocks in the distributed ledger, which may be a blockchain system. Trusted execution hardware may be used as a proof algorithm to ensure that a token exists, and that client has legitimately acquired or accumulated the token prior to using it to submit a transaction.