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Full Decentralization and Byzantine Fault Tolerance
BigchainDB leverages Tendermint for networking and consensus, providing:
- Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT): The system is highly resilient because Tendermint, the technology behind it, ensures BFT. Even if some nodes misbehave or fail, the network remains secure.
- Local Databases: Each node has its own local MongoDB database. This setup enhances security. If one database is compromised, only that node is affected; others remain unharmed.
- Changing Block Proposers: The system design periodically changes the node responsible for proposing blocks, making it more secure and less predictable.
- True Decentralization: In an ideal BigchainDB 2.0 network, each node is owned and operated by a different entity. This results in full decentralization, with no single owner, controller, or point of failure.
- Global Node Distribution: Nodes should be located in various countries and hosting providers to ensure network robustness. Even if some nodes fail or face issues, the network continues to function.
- High Fault Tolerance: Up to one-third of the nodes can fail or misbehave, and the network will still operate smoothly. The remaining nodes collaborate to make decisions and keep the system running.
Immutability
BigchainDB ensures data immutability using several strategies:
- No Data Alteration APIs: BigchainDB doesn't provide tools to change or erase stored data, making it resistant to unauthorized modifications.
- Local Copies on Every Node: Each node has its own complete copy of the data in separate MongoDB databases. Even if one node fails, others still have the data, preventing data loss.
- Cryptographic Signatures: Every transaction is cryptographically signed. If someone tries to change a transaction, the signature changes, which can be detected. Even changing the public key is noticeable since all transactions are signed by known nodes.
Owner-Controlled Assets
BigchainDB operates like many other blockchains, where assets are controlled by their owners.
- User-Defined Assets: BigchainDB allows users to create their own assets as needed, each cryptographically signed by its creator.
High Transaction Rate
BigchainDB is designed to handle a high number of transactions per second, even in challenging conditions.
Sybil Tolerance
In a BigchainDB network, the organization governing the network controls the member list, eliminating the possibility of Sybil attacks.
Identity Management
BigchainDB combines the best of blockchains and databases to provide a secure and scalable solution for managing identities.
BigchainDB Transactions
Creating a BigchainDB transaction is like filling out a form with clear instructions. BigchainDB drivers ensure you follow those instructions to create a valid transaction.