BaSE Lab_New Consensus Algorithm for Blockchain Scalability_Progress Report (1)

Summary

Title of Project

Klaytn Improvement Reserve (KIR): New Consensus Algorithm for Blockchain Scalability

Project Duration

  • Proposed Period: 2021.09.08 ~ 2023.02.28
  • First Milestone: 2021.09.08 ~ 2022.02.28 (Current)
  • Proposed Second Milestone: 2022.03.01 ~ 2022.08.31
  • Proposed Third Milestone: 2022.09.01 ~ 2023.02.28

Goal and Background of the Project

Research Goal

The purpose of this project is to improve the Klaytn platform’s scalability by the coordination technique that was published in the Applied Science Journal (‘‘A Coordination Technique for Improving Scalability of Byzantine Fault-Tolerant Consensus”, Vol.10, No.21, Page.1-20, 2020).

Research Background

  • BFT-based consensus algorithms were initiated to ensure data integrity in the distributed network. However, due to increasing transactions in a blockchain network, BFT-based algorithms of the blockchain network do not show sufficient performance.
  • To overcome the limitations of the BFT-based algorithm, various research such as Libra’s Hot-stuff, and Algorand’s BA* has been conducted and this project is also aimed at improving the scalability of IBFT used in the Klaytn.
  • Likewise, other blockchain platforms, including Terra, or Luniverse, the Klaytn platform plays the role of fast-follower, providing NFT and DeFi services. In this situation, a breakthrough technology that improves blockchain scalability limitation will be very important in competitiveness with other platforms.
  • Resolving the scalability limitations is important for the future of blockchain services and this research is expected to contribute to solving the Klaytn scalability

First Milestone Research Approach

In this first milestone research, the approach is classified into four parts as follows: 1) Design of the private blockchain network by using the Klaytn, 2) Design of the coordination technique for the Klaytn network, 3) Analysis of Klaytn codes, 4) Apply the coordination technique to the Klaytn.

  1. Design of the private network by using the Klaytn
    • Generated documentation that explains the Klaytn private blockchain based on the Klaytn’s service chain documentation
  2. Design of the coordination technique for the Klaytn network
    • Designed modified coordination technique for applying the Klaytn.
  3. Analysis of Klaytn codes
    • Analyzed the klytn code to understand the process of the CN nodes and consensus algorithm.
  4. Apply the coordination technique to the Klaytn
    • Changed the Klaytn codes to apply the coordination technique and conducted experiments.

Conclusions

  • When the coordination technique (‘A Coordination Technique for Improving Scalability of Byzantine Fault-Tolerant Consensus’) was applied to PBFT and Hyperledger Besu IBFT, scalability of the blockchain network was improved. However, in the Klaytn, the coordination technique couldn’t show a significant impact.
  • Even though showing insufficient results, the consensus coordinator handled 67.9% of the consensus process when the consensus process was conducted 1,000 times. Based on that result, we could expect better results through additional analysis of the Klaytn codes and coordination technique improvement.
  • The limitations faced by our researchers in the project are as follows: 1) Lack of time to understand Klaytn codes and Go language, 2) Limitation of understanding codes and entire protocol from outsider who is not a Klaytn code developer. 3) It was difficult to receive education or technical support from Klaytn developers. Even though we faced these limitations, we could improve our understanding of the Klaytn codes and Go language through the first milestone.

Budget

Attachment (Full Report Doc)

[Word] BaSE Lab_New Consensus Algorithm for Blockchain Scalability_Progress Report (1)
[PDF] BaSE Lab_New Consensus Algorithm for Blockchain Scalability_Progress Report (1)

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GCs will review this progress report, If there are no problems, the KLAY payment will proceed on March 9th.
If the schedule changes, we will contact you again.
Thank you.

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Thank you for comment :slight_smile: