Research on Blockchain Interoperability and Cross-Chain Technology

doi:10.3778/j.issn.1673-9418.2212081

Abstract

Abstract: Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology with multi-party consensus, traceability and tamper-proof, which provides a broad application prospect for constructing efficient, trusted and secure data sharing mechanism and optimizing business processes. However, when blockchain is in a stage of rapid development, how to realize cross-chain interaction of information and cross-chain transfer of value has become an urgent problem to be solved in the process of blockchain extension to depth. Firstly, based on the review of the existing research results, the concept of blockchain interoperability is proposed, and it is divided into five aspects: inter-chain interoperability, inter-layer interoperability, inter-fork interoperability, inter-slice interoperability and interoperability between on-chain and off-chain. Secondly, by sorting out the evolution and implementation of cross-chain operation of blockchain, and referring to the TCP/IP architecture, a cross-chain operation model is designed, and the main implementation steps are functionally described. Thirdly, in view of the current research status of cross-chain operation, four key technologies of cross-chain operation, including notary mechanism, side chain/relay, hash lock and distributed private key control, are selected for analysis. Then, combined with the technical characteristics and application scenarios, the application demonstration is highlighted, some typical cross-chain application projects are introduced, and the security of blockchain cross-chain operation is analyzed. Finally, the future development trend of blockchain interoperability and cross-chain technology is summarized and explored.

Key words: blockchain, interoperability, cross-chain technology, information exchange, value transfer

摘要： 区块链是一项多方共识、可溯源、防篡改的分布式账本技术，为构建高效、可信、安全的数据共享机制和优化业务流程提供了广阔的应用前景。然而，当区块链正处于百花齐放的快速发展阶段时，如何实现信息的跨链交互和价值的跨链转移，成为区块链向纵深伸延过程中亟待解决的问题。首先，在综述已有研究成果的基础上，提出了区块链互操作性的概念，并将其分为链间互操作、层间互操作、分叉间互操作、片间互操作和链上链下互操作五方面进行了讨论；其次，通过梳理区块链跨链操作的演进和实现方式，并借鉴TCP/IP体系结构，设计了跨链操作模型，对主要实现步骤进行了功能描述；再次，针对当前区块链跨链操作研究现状，选择了公证人机制、侧链/中继、哈希锁定和分布式私钥控制四类区块链跨链操作关键技术进行了重点分析；然后，结合技术特点和应用场景，突出应用示范，选取了部分典型跨链应用项目进行了介绍，并对区块链跨链操作的安全性进行了分析；最后，总结探索了区块链互操作性和跨链技术的未来发展趋势。

关键词: 区块链, 互操作性, 跨链技术, 信息交换, 价值转移

WANG Qun, LI Fujuan, NI Xueli, XIA Lingling, LIANG Guangjun, MA Zhuo. Research on Blockchain Interoperability and Cross-Chain Technology[J]. Journal of Frontiers of Computer Science and Technology, 2023, 17(8): 1749-1775.

王群, 李馥娟, 倪雪莉, 夏玲玲, 梁广俊, 马卓. 区块链互操作性及跨链技术研究[J]. 计算机科学与探索, 2023, 17(8): 1749-1775.

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