Two-Mode Blockchain Consensus Protocol for High Throughput and Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blockchain consensus systems face issues such as high energy consumption, low throughput, slow transaction confirmation times, and vulnerability to attacks, particularly in handling large transaction volumes and smart contracts, with existing proof of work and proof of stake systems exhibiting inefficiencies and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A two-mode blockchain consensus protocol is implemented, where a committee of node computers uses proof of work algorithms to confirm transactions quickly through a fast path, while also employing a slow path for security checks and fault tolerance, allowing for high transaction throughput and robust security against attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proof of work systems are used to secure the blockchain, then security is improved, but energy consumption increases and transaction confirmation time slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into a committee of validators who perform verification tasks, separating the security function from the transaction processing function. This allows the majority of nodes to verify transactions efficiently without performing energy-intensive proof of work, while the committee provides security through their verification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The security verification function is extracted from all nodes and concentrated in a designated committee of validators. This extraction allows regular nodes to process transactions quickly while the committee handles the security-critical verification, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If proof of work systems are used to confirm transactions, then security is improved, but transaction confirmation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The confirmation process is segmented into two paths: a fast path for normal transactions handled by the validator committee, and a slow path for disputed transactions that require proof of work verification. This segmentation allows most transactions to be confirmed quickly while maintaining security for contested transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between fast confirmation mode (using validator signatures) and slow confirmation mode (using proof of work) based on whether transactions are disputed. This dynamic approach optimizes confirmation time for normal operations while preserving security for contested transactions.
3Reliability
If conventional consensus systems process transactions sequentially, then security is maintained, but throughput remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction processing is segmented into parallel verification tasks performed by multiple validator nodes in the committee. Each validator independently verifies transactions and signs valid blocks, allowing parallel processing that increases throughput while maintaining security through the requirement of supermajority agreement.
Solution Approach 2:
The consensus mechanism combines elements of both proof of work (for security and dispute resolution) and proof of stake/validator-based consensus (for fast processing). This composite approach leverages the strengths of both systems to achieve high throughput while maintaining security.
4Reliability
If multiple rounds of voting are implemented for consensus, then security is improved, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-round voting process is extracted and replaced with a simpler signature-based verification process. Validators sign blocks they verify, and the network accepts blocks with sufficient signatures, eliminating the need for multiple communication rounds and reducing computational overhead while maintaining consensus reliability.
5Reliability
If all transaction data is transmitted for verification, then security is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting all transaction data for verification, the system uses cryptographic hashes and signatures as compact representations. Validators verify transactions by checking these compact cryptographic proofs rather than processing the full transaction data, maintaining verification security while dramatically reducing network bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is direct a two-mode blockchain consensus protocol and a system implementing such a protocol. The system includes a plurality of node computers (and a communications network connecting the plurality of node computers. The plurality of node computers includes a first node computer, a collecting node computer, a committee of node computers, and one or more node computers that operate based on proof of work algorithms. Each node computer in the plurality includes a blockchain consensus software application running on the processor of the node computer. The blockchain consensus software application is adapted to connect to the plurality of node computers that are connected to the communications network. The blockchain consensus software application implements the two-mode blockchain consensus protocol. Through the software application, the plurality of node computers operate to reach a consensus on adding data to a public ledger.