09-29, 10:00ā10:30 (Europe/Berlin), Community Ampitheatre
Merged-mined blockchains, such as Rootstock, leverage the security of Bitcoin. However, their scalability is restricted by block template update policies of Bitcoin mining pools. This makes it impractical to reduce block interval times solely by adjusting the difficulty of the merged-mined chain. To address this limitation, we introduce FASTER, a hybrid consensus mechanism that combines merged-mined Proof of Work (PoW) with Proof of Stake (PoS) to reduce block time while maintaining high security. In the FASTER protocol, each PoW block starts a new epoch. Within an epoch, a randomly selected leader proposes microblocks. These microblocks are then enhanced with signatures from PoA members to ensure finality. Forks are resolved based on accumulated difficulty and votes. The FASTER protocol aims to provide substantial improvements in block time efficiency and security, making it a promising solution for scalable blockchain applications
The FASTER protocol is a hybrid consensus mechanism designed to improve the Rootstock blockchain by reducing transaction confirmation times to at least 5 seconds. By combining Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS), FASTER aims to achieve faster and more secure transaction processing.
There are two types of blocks: microblocks and checkpoint blocks. The blockchain is structured into distinct periods known as epochs. Microblocks allow quicker confirmation of transactions, reducing the time users have to wait for their transactions to be included in the blockchain. Microblocks are created within an epoch by a designated leader from a committee of validators. The rest of the validators vote on them to enhance finality and consensus. Each epoch is divided into multiple slots, in each slot, the leader can produce only one microblock. This slot structure ensures orderly block production. While microblocks enable fast transaction confirmation, checkpoint blocks ensure the long-term security of the blockchain. Each epoch begins and ends with a checkpoint block. A checkpoint block is a PoW block merge-mined with Bitcoin.
A random function determines the leader at the beginning of the epoch. At the end of the epoch, validators vote on the last microblock (LEBB Last Epoch Boundary Block) to finalize it. The checkpoint block reinforces microblock finality with more than ā votes of the committee, thus ensuring a secure and consistent transition between epochs.
Licentiate in Computer Science, part of the blockchain niche for at least 5 years. I'm working as a Researcher Developer at RootstockLabs, the first sidechain of Bitcoin.
During all 2020 and part of 2021 contributed to the node of the RSK blockchain and helped in the development of external applications, like wallets and services.
Currently Iām part of the Research Team, where I can do what I love most: design, research and try new things to make life easier to the people.