A Unified Approach to Assessing the Structural Resilience of Blockchain Overlay Networks
Date Issued
September 14, 2023
Author(s)
Advisor
Abstract
Blockchains have gained significant attention for their unique properties, such as immutability,
public verifiability, and decentralization. These attributes have generated interest in both
the software industry and the research academia, sparking enthusiasm for blockchain-based
applications. The success of Bitcoin has showcased the potential of blockchain technology,
and its distinct features are expected to revolutionize various industries and disrupt sectors
that rely on centralized third parties.
Blockchain systems operate through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, which play a crucial role
in ensuring consensus and data propagation. The security and correctness of blockchain
applications hinge on the resilience of these P2P networks. In this thesis, we dive into the
structural properties of seven distinct blockchain networks, focusing on the implications
of their characteristics for network resilience. Our study reveals vulnerabilities to targeted
attacks and uncovers hidden interconnections among networks, emphasizing the importance
of strengthening network defenses.
To overcome the challenge of accurate topology inference, we introduce a simple yet effective
approach. Using the node advertisements shared by the network nodes, we construct
connectivity graphs that include any potential connections between peers. Our methodology
captures both actual and potential connections, improving our understanding of blockchain
P2P networks and their structural characteristics. Furthermore, we avoid classifying nodes
and links according to their role or position in the network. Instead, we adopt a unified
network model, streamlining the analysis and enabling the identification of shared structural
vulnerabilities present in diverse network configurations across various blockchain systems.
Addressing these vulnerabilities can lead to improved network resilience.
Our findings shed light on the dynamic nature of blockchain overlay networks and their
susceptibility to targeted attacks. We observe variations in the distribution of session lengths
over time and a strong correlation between a node’s uptime and its degree. We highlight the
importance of considering network implementation in blockchain systems and the need for
tailored solutions to enhance security and resilience.
public verifiability, and decentralization. These attributes have generated interest in both
the software industry and the research academia, sparking enthusiasm for blockchain-based
applications. The success of Bitcoin has showcased the potential of blockchain technology,
and its distinct features are expected to revolutionize various industries and disrupt sectors
that rely on centralized third parties.
Blockchain systems operate through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, which play a crucial role
in ensuring consensus and data propagation. The security and correctness of blockchain
applications hinge on the resilience of these P2P networks. In this thesis, we dive into the
structural properties of seven distinct blockchain networks, focusing on the implications
of their characteristics for network resilience. Our study reveals vulnerabilities to targeted
attacks and uncovers hidden interconnections among networks, emphasizing the importance
of strengthening network defenses.
To overcome the challenge of accurate topology inference, we introduce a simple yet effective
approach. Using the node advertisements shared by the network nodes, we construct
connectivity graphs that include any potential connections between peers. Our methodology
captures both actual and potential connections, improving our understanding of blockchain
P2P networks and their structural characteristics. Furthermore, we avoid classifying nodes
and links according to their role or position in the network. Instead, we adopt a unified
network model, streamlining the analysis and enabling the identification of shared structural
vulnerabilities present in diverse network configurations across various blockchain systems.
Addressing these vulnerabilities can lead to improved network resilience.
Our findings shed light on the dynamic nature of blockchain overlay networks and their
susceptibility to targeted attacks. We observe variations in the distribution of session lengths
over time and a strong correlation between a node’s uptime and its degree. We highlight the
importance of considering network implementation in blockchain systems and the need for
tailored solutions to enhance security and resilience.
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Thesis_ArisPaphitis_2023.pdf
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