Blockchain Network Architectures Flashcards

In a federated blockchain network, who typically controls the consensus process?

Answer: A pre-selected group of nodes

Federated (or consortium) blockchains delegate consensus to a pre-selected group of trusted nodes rather than open participation.

Which network topology is most resilient to single-node failures in a blockchain peer-to-peer network?

Answer: Mesh topology

A full mesh topology provides multiple redundant paths between nodes, making the network highly resilient to individual node failures.

What distinguishes a 'sidechain' from the main blockchain network?

Answer: It is a separate blockchain pegged to the main chain for specific use cases

A sidechain is an independent blockchain connected to the main chain via a two-way peg, enabling assets and data transfer between them.

In Hyperledger Fabric, what is the role of the 'orderer' node?

Answer: It sequences transactions into blocks and distributes them

The orderer in Hyperledger Fabric is responsible for ordering transactions into a consistent sequence and broadcasting blocks to peers.

Which characteristic best defines a 'permissioned' blockchain network architecture?

Answer: It restricts participation to identities that have been granted access

Permissioned blockchains require participants to be explicitly authorized before they can read, write, or validate on the network.

What is the primary purpose of a 'bootnode' in an Ethereum network?

Answer: It helps new nodes discover and connect to peers in the network

Bootnodes serve as initial contact points that help new nodes discover other peers in the network without maintaining the full blockchain.

In a multi-cloud blockchain deployment, what is the main architectural challenge?

Answer: Ensuring data sovereignty and consistent latency across cloud providers

Multi-cloud blockchain deployments face challenges around data residency regulations, variable latency between cloud regions, and consistent performance.