The Beldex Research Labs, established in 2022 with the intent to make the Beldex network future-ready, incorporates new and improved technologies while ensuring the network scales with demand. BRL’s research primarily deals with key areas that enhance network security and functionality, while being mindful of user-friendliness and convenience.
Previously, BRL research introduced a proof-of-concept EVM to explore the possibilities of integrating the EVM into a private blockchain like Beldex. You can learn more about it here: https://beldexcoin.medium.com/beldex-research-labs-research-update-i-54acf0f82fad
Some of the key areas that the Beldex Research Labs is currently focused on includes the implementation of Verifiable Random Functions in Beldex consensus, Split Tunneling in BelNet and Bulletproof++.
What are Verifiable Random Functions (VRFs)?
VRFs has been a topic of discussion for quite some time since the Beldex team were exploring ways to enhance randomization in selecting block validators in the existing consensus mechanism.
Current consensus in Beldex follows a deterministic protocol where a set number of nodes participate in block generation and validation. These nodes are selected at random, following predetermined protocols such as handshake, block proposition, commit, disclosure and publishing. It also follows a reward queue mechanism in which nodes that were rewarded recently end up at the bottom of the reward queue. This process is explained in detail in our blog here.
VRF’s improve upon this randomization process. For example, 11+1 nodes currently participate in the consensus round, but with VRF implementation, almost 1 thirds of the total network nodes will be included in the consensus. For example, if there are 1000 nodes on the network, then >=333 nodes will participate in consensus, which will be a significant improvement.
Why Implement VRF in Beldex Consensus?
One major reason is to improve randomization and gamification of block production/validation. VRF also makes the network more resilient to DDoS and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Since VRF enhances the unpredictability in node selection and block production, even if a large number of nodes were operated by a single entity, the chances of them being able to manipulate the network, trying double sending or including a malicious block becomes that much more difficult.
VRF eliminates bias in block inclusion and ensures fair compensation for everyone. While node selection is random, this randomness ensures that all the participating nodes are given a fair chance at block production. Over a shorter time-frame, rewards may appear uneven, but with time (over a longer time-frame), the distribution is expected to equalize and converge toward the median, in accordance with the law of large numbers. Bottom line — VRF enhances privacy and security in the Beldex network.
Split Tunneling in BelNet
Split tunneling is a mechanism by which traffic is split between a VPN tunnel and a direct channel (regular internet), according to user requirement and preference.
Not all apps require identical protection — and that’s the point of BelNet’s split tunneling. Certain sensitive communications might require privacy when compared to others. For example, users who steam content prefer speed over privacy since their primary objective is a lag-free internet connection. Though BelNet’s decentralized VPN tunnels are good for streaming, like any other onion-router based VPN networks, depending on the distribution of nodes, there might be some delays in certain geographies.
With split tunneling however, users would have the option to choose which applications utilize the VPN and which ones directly access the internet.
It facilitates seamless switching between VPN tunnel and the direct channel, allowing the user to maintain control without needing to adjust VPN settings frequently.
Bulletproof++ Implementation
To understand Bulletproof++, let’s first delve into what Bulletproofs are.
Bulletproofs are short non-interactive zero-knowledge range proofs originally implemented in Monero. Bulletproofs allow us to prove that an encrypted transaction’s outputs lie within a valid range — i.e., they are non-negative — without revealing the actual values. They are essentially used to prove that each output in a private transaction is a net positive. This in turn helps prove that total inputs = total outputs.
Bulletproofs significantly reduce the size of proofs which reduce the space constraints in private transactions. With efficient proof sizes, the size of private transactions could be minimized, which then helps improve the anonymity set without overloading the network.
Bulletproofs++ is an upgraded version of Bulletproofs, with a single output 64-bit range proof size being only 416 bytes. BP++ is approximately 38% smaller than BP and 27% smaller than BP+ (Source) .
BP++ proving time is 5 times faster than BP in some cases. They also scale logarithmically and their setup is transparent, making them ideal for private protocols.
The BRL team is working parallely in all these areas to ensure the Beldex network remains robust, scalable, resilient, secure, reliable, and future-ready at all times. The demand for privacy, scalability, and usability in Beldex will only continue to grow with adoption. Beldex Research Labs’ pioneering solutions align with these evolving needs.
From integrating Verifiable Random Functions for consensus security, to implementing split tunneling in BelNet for greater user control, and adopting Bulletproof++ for more efficient private transactions — each initiative reflects BRL’s commitment to a secure, scalable, and user-centric blockchain ecosystem. With these innovations in sight, the Beldex network moves closer to realizing its vision of a truly private and decentralized internet.
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