Blockchain Consensus Protocols

A special issue of the Journal of Computer Networks to be guest-edited by David Hyland-Wood and Sandra Johnson

I. Background

Blockchain Consensus Algorithms is a special issue of the Journal of Computer networks, covering the properties, trade-offs, and uses of blockchain consensus algorithms. A blockchain is a distributed and decentralised computer network, with a new block being added to the communal state when the participating nodes come to consensus. The mechanism for reaching consensus is via consensus algorithms. More than eighty four blockchain consensus algorithms have been publicly proposed to date, and that number continues to grow.

Consensus algorithms are typically designed to target major concerns and vulnerabilities, which lead to a natural categorisation. Important design considerations include the degree to which the blockchain is decentralised in terms of ownership and management, the scalability of its transaction throughput rate, and its security against attackers capable of controlling a number of participating nodes.

The inclusion of new algorithmic designs and research into cross-blockchain communication protocols highlight the importance of understanding design tradeoffs. New algorithms illustrate the ever-changing landscape of application areas. Cross-blockchain protocols will be necessary to allow value transfers, cooperative computation, and coordination of state between competing blockchains.

Blockchain Consensus Algorithms is intended to provide both practical and theoretical approaches to addressing common information management issues by application of leading edge research and industry experience. Papers cover a wide range of topical issues in consensus algorithm design and application, including costs and benefits of choosing algorithms and the blockchains that implement them. The choice of consensus algorithm has a considerable impact on the fit-for-purpose of a particular blockchain to a particular application requirement. The many consensus algorithms available highlight the fact that there is no silver bullet appropriate for all needs.

II. Topics of Interest

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Innovations in consensus algorithms
• Handling information uncertainty in consensus algorithms
• Handling communications disruption and/or latency in consensus algorithms
• Trust, reputation and distributed consensus
• Privacy management in consensus algorithms
• Formal verification and validation of consensus algorithms
• Formal methods analysis of consensus algorithms
• Legal and economic aspects of consensus algorithm choice

III. Publisher

Elsevier publishes the Journal of Computer Networks. This special issue is expected to be published in late 2021.

IV. Proposals

Full papers of 15-20 pages are due by 31 January 2021. Please see Elsevier’s Author Instructions here:

All submissions will undergo peer review by at least two independent reviewers in addition to the guest editors.

V. Important Dates

First submission deadline: 31 January 2021

First review completed: 1 April 2021

Revised manuscripts: 1 June 2021

Review & revision completion: 1 August 2021

Inquiries and submissions should be sent by electronic mail to:

d.hylandwood@uq.edu.au CC to sandra.johnson@consensys.net and david.wood@consensys.net