Contention-Free Transactions in Private Blockchains: A New Approach

Blockchain technology has revolutionized the way we conduct transactions, but it also brings a new set of challenges, particularly when it comes to handling a large number of transactions securely and efficiently. One of the main issues is contention, which occurs when multiple transactions try to access the same block at the same time. This can lead to delays, errors, and even security breaches.
In this article, we explore the concept of contention in blockchain systems and propose a new solution called ConChain. ConChain is designed to ensure that transactions are processed in a contention-free manner, increasing throughput while maintaining security.
To understand contention, we simulated it using Hyperledger Fabric and the SmallBank dataset. Our results show that while timestamps can help reduce contention, they don’t completely eliminate it. Prioritizing read operations also reduces latency but doesn’t eliminate contention entirely. Locking mechanisms, on the other hand, significantly reduce contention but increase system latency.
Our proposed solution, ConChain, addresses these issues by grouping transactions based on their type (read/write) and applying locks before ordering them. This ensures that each transaction is processed in a contention-free manner, increasing throughput while maintaining security. We also present an outline of how ConChain can defend against four major attacks.
In summary, this article tackles the issue of contention in blockchain systems and proposes a new solution called ConChain. By grouping transactions based on their type and applying locks before ordering them, ConChain ensures that each transaction is processed in a contention-free manner, increasing throughput while maintaining security. This solution has the potential to revolutionize the way we conduct transactions on blockchain networks.