Research Papers

Research Papers

Here you will find a selection of Waterfall research documents deviding
into the details which make Waterfall protocol so performant.

Featured Papers:
Subnetworks in BlockDAG
Antonenko, O., Grybniak, S., Guzey, D., Nashyvan, O., & Shanin, R. (2022).
Subnetworks in BlockDAG. IEEE 1st Global Emerging Technology Blockchain Forum: Blockchain & Beyond (iGETblockchain), 1-6.
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In the article, we study the horizontal scaling of the Waterfall or similar blockDAG networks by partitioning them into subnetworks by applying hierarchical and graph-based clustering algorithms. It leads to the reducing the network load and, in addition, to the increasing of the potential performance parameters of the underlying protocol. We consider methods of topology construction, propose clustering algorithms, and perform a simulation of a network partitioning into subnetworks.
Subnetworks in BlockDAG (Extended version)
Antonenko, O., Grybniak, S., Guzey, D., Nashyvan, O., & Shanin, R. (2024).
Subnetworks in BlockDAG. ACM Distrib. Ledger Technol.: Research and Practice, 3(2), 1-23.
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In this article, we study the horizontal scaling of the Waterfall network or similar blockDAG networks by applying hierarchical and graph-based clustering algorithms to partition them into subnetworks. This results in a reduction of network load and an increase in potential performance parameters of the underlying protocol. We consider methods of topology construction, propose clustering algorithms, and perform a simulation of the partitioning of a network into subnetworks.
Waterfall: Salto Collazo. Tokenomics
Grybniak, S., Leonchyk, Y., Masalskyi, R., Mazurok, I., & Nashyvan, O. (2022).
Waterfall: Salto Collazo. Tokenomics. IEEE International Conference on Blockchain, Smart Healthcare and Emerging Technologies (SmartBlock4Health), 1-6.
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This article describes the core principles of the economic policy integrated into the Waterfall DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) based system design. The main aim is to create a favorable environment incentivizing the positive behavior of each network participant and the system as a whole. Economic leverages ensure general equilibrium, to provide an optimal data replication ratio and affordable transaction fees.
Whitepaper
Cryptoeconomic Forecast
Grybniak, S., Leonchyk, Y., Mazurok, I., Nashyvan, O., & Vorokhta, A. (2024)
On Waterfall's cryptoeconomic forecast. Informatics. Culture. Technology, 1(1), 167–172.
Abstract^
This work presents a system dynamics modeling approach to evaluate critical economic metrics on the Waterfall network. The constructed model serves as a significant tool for understanding the intricate economic processes within the system and supports informed decision-making by stakeholders. By using input parameters such as the number of network validators and transactions per second over time, the model projects key metrics like the inflation rate and total supply of coins, providing insights into the platform's economic stability. This approach could also be applied to studying the cryptoeconomics of other decentralized networks, providing a broader understanding of their economic stability and long-term viability.
Waterfall: Gozalandia. Distributed protocol with fast finality and proven safety and liveness
Grybniak, S., Leonchyk, Y., Mazurok, I., Nashyvan, O., & Shanin, R. (2023).
Waterfall: Gozalandia. Distributed protocol with fast finality and proven safety and liveness. IET Blockchain 3, 182-193.
Abstract^
A consensus protocol is a crucial mechanism of distributed networks by which nodes can coordinate their actions and the current state of data. This article describes a BlockDAG consensus algorithm based on the Proof of Stake approach. The protocol provides network participants with cross-voting for the order of blocks, which, in the case of a fair vote, guarantees a quick consensus. Under conditions of dishonest behavior, cross-voting ensures that violations will be quickly detected. In addition, the protocol assumes the existence of a Coordinating network containing information about the approved ordering, which qualitatively increases security and also serves to improve network synchronization.
Waterfall: Salto Collores. BFT Based PoS on BlockDAG
Antonenko, O., Grybniak, S., Guzey, D., Nashyvan, O., & Shanin, R. (2023)
Waterfall: Salto Collores. BFT Based PoS on BlockDAG. IEEE 1st Ukrainian Distributed Ledger Technology Forum (UADLTF), 1-6.
Abstract^
This paper describes a new version of the Waterfall network protocol that changes the operation of the coordination network to a BFT-based PoS, thus adding deterministic finality. A two-layer network construction model is proposed: a blockDAG network and a coordination network, where the blockDAG network is designed for transaction propagation, and the coordination network is intended for achieving consensus.
Subnetworks in BlockDAG
Antonenko, O., Grybniak, S., Guzey, D., Nashyvan, O., & Shanin, R. (2022).
Subnetworks in BlockDAG. IEEE 1st Global Emerging Technology Blockchain Forum: Blockchain & Beyond (iGETblockchain), 1-6.
Abstract^
In the article, we study the horizontal scaling of the Waterfall or similar blockDAG networks by partitioning them into subnetworks by applying hierarchical and graph-based clustering algorithms. It leads to the reducing the network load and, in addition, to the increasing of the potential performance parameters of the underlying protocol. We consider methods of topology construction, propose clustering algorithms, and perform a simulation of a network partitioning into subnetworks.
Subnetworks in BlockDAG (Extended version)
Antonenko, O., Grybniak, S., Guzey, D., Nashyvan, O., & Shanin, R. (2024).
Subnetworks in BlockDAG. ACM Distrib. Ledger Technol.: Research and Practice, 3(2), 1-23.
Abstract^
In this article, we study the horizontal scaling of the Waterfall network or similar blockDAG networks by applying hierarchical and graph-based clustering algorithms to partition them into subnetworks. This results in a reduction of network load and an increase in potential performance parameters of the underlying protocol. We consider methods of topology construction, propose clustering algorithms, and perform a simulation of the partitioning of a network into subnetworks.
Light Workers in Waterfall
Antonenko, O., Grybniak, S., Guzey, D., Nashyvan, O., & Shanin, R. (2023).
Light Workers in Waterfall. IEEE 1st Ukrainian Distributed Ledger Technology Forum (UADLTF), 1-6.
Abstract^
This article discusses the concept of “light workers” which can address issues related to the high entry threshold for new nodes in Blockchain networks, particularly in Proof-of-Stake systems. The article describes the differences between light node concepts, classic light clients, and light workers. The authors propose a three-phase approach for introducing light workers into the Waterfall network, and provide a conceptual description of each phase. The first phase is described in detail. Additionally, the article includes calculations that justify the implementation of the proposed approach.
Waterfall: Salto Collazo. Tokenomics
Grybniak, S., Leonchyk, Y., Masalskyi, R., Mazurok, I., & Nashyvan, O. (2022).
Waterfall: Salto Collazo. Tokenomics. IEEE International Conference on Blockchain, Smart Healthcare and Emerging Technologies (SmartBlock4Health), 1-6.
Abstract^
This article describes the core principles of the economic policy integrated into the Waterfall DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) based system design. The main aim is to create a favorable environment incentivizing the positive behavior of each network participant and the system as a whole. Economic leverages ensure general equilibrium, to provide an optimal data replication ratio and affordable transaction fees.
Recurring payments on EVM-based platforms
Grybniak, S., Goga, N., Nashyvan, O., Mihai, R., Mazurok, I., Leonchyk, Y., Datta, G., Ozkul, O. F., & Marian, C. V. (2022).
Recurring payments on EVM-based platforms. IEEE 1st Global Emerging Technology Blockchain Forum: Blockchain & Beyond (iGETblockchain), 1-6.
Abstract^
This article explains the fundamental principles of the economic policy that are integrated into the decentralized public platform Waterfall. The platform has a DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) based system architecture and is designed to develop decentralized applications and financial services. The main goal of this work is to create a favorable environment that incentivizes positive behavior from each network participant and from the system as a whole. Economic leverages ensure general equilibrium to provide an optimal data replication ratio, attack protection, and affordable transaction fees. Although this model of tokenomic is designed explicitly for the current version of the Waterfall platform named Salto Collazo, the presented approaches possess the potential to be applied across a broad spectrum of decentralized public platforms, owing to their inherent transparency and a set of tuned parameters.
EVM-Based Token Standard for Ensuring Non-Custodial Recurring Payments
Grybniak, S., Nashyvan, O., Mazurok, I., Leonchyk, Y., & Vorokhta, A. (2023).
EVM-Based Token Standard for Ensuring Non-custodial Recurring Payments. IEEE 1st Ukrainian Distributed Ledger Technology Forum (UADLTF), 1-6.
Abstract^
This article presents a token aimed at ensuring the implementation of recurring bill-pay functionality on decentralized platforms utilizing the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Automatic periodic payments, including subscription-based services, have gained significant traction in traditional fiat-money industries due to the various advantages they offer to both service providers and customers. However, current Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) lack inherent non-custodial mechanisms to support such payment schemes. In this study, we propose an approach implemented through a smart contract that issues tokens on EVM-based networks, enabling the inclusion of recurring payments. This contract ensures compatibility with ERC-20 and ERC-777 standards, offering the potential to establish a novel token standard.
Waterfall: Salto Collazo. High-level design of tokenomics
Grybniak, S., Leonchyk, Y., Mazurok, I., Nashyvan, O., & Vorokhta, A. (2023).
Waterfall: Salto Collazo. High-Level Design of Tokenomics. Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal, 8(3), 231-243.
Abstract^
This article explains the fundamental principles of the economic policy that are integrated into the decentralized public platform Waterfall. The platform has a DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) based system architecture and is designed to develop decentralized applications and financial services. The main goal of this work is to create a favorable environment that incentivizes positive behavior from each network participant and from the system as a whole. Economic leverages ensure general equilibrium to provide an optimal data replication ratio, attack protection, and affordable transaction fees. Although this model of tokenomic is designed explicitly for the current version of the Waterfall platform named Salto Collazo, the presented approaches possess the potential to be applied across a broad spectrum of decentralized public platforms, owing to their inherent transparency and a set of tuned parameters.
Probabilistic Optimization of Optimistic Finality for the Waterfall Consensus Protocol
Grybniak, S., Leonchyk, Y., Mazurok, I., Vorokhta, A., Nashyvan, O., & Shanin, R. (2023).
Probabilistic Optimization of Optimistic Finality for the Waterfall Consensus Protocol. The 5th International Congress on Blockchain and Applications (BLOCKCHAIN’23). Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, v. 778. Springer, Cham., 307–316.
Abstract^
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that provides an immutable record and store of transactions. Today, one of the key challenges facing blockchain technology is the time required to finalize transactions. Mass adoption of payment systems and the development of enterprise-class decentralized systems have created a demand for a significant acceleration of finalization time in blockchains’ networks, to facilitate fast and efficient transactions while maintaining security and performance. This article discusses the Waterfall platform, which is based on a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) architecture. Waterfall implements a two-level consensus protocol combining Ethereum’s approach with a new algorithm that provides single-slot finality. However, the optimistic consensus involves a security trade-off that requires the maintenance of network scalability and performance. The proposed protocol modifications aim to minimize the time of transaction finality by obtaining an optimal level of blockchain Coordinators’ support for slot finalization, building a simulation model for testing the modifications, and mitigating the problem of non-relayed transactions. The outcomes of this study will be incorporated into the Waterfall platform software, to enhance its dependability, efficiency, and security.
An incentive system for decentralized DAG-based platforms (Tech brief)
Grybniak, S., Leonchyk, Y., Masalskyi, R., Mazurok, I., & Nashyvan, O. (2022).
An Incentive System for Decentralized DAG-based Platforms. IEEE Blockchain, TechBrief, 1-4.
Abstract^
Decentralized public platforms are becoming increasingly popular due to a growing number of applications for various areas of business, finance, and social life. Authorless nodes can easily join such networks without any confirmation, making a transparent system of rewards and punishments crucial for the self-sustainability of public platforms. To achieve this, a system for incentivizing and punishing Workers’ behavior should be tightly integrated into the corresponding consensus protocol, taking into account all of its features, and facilitating a favorable and supportive environment with equal rights for all participants. All honest nodes make common decisions based only on information recorded into the ledger without overloading the network with additional interactions, since such data are always identical and available. The main goal of this work is to design a fair distribution of rewards among honest Workers, and to establish values for penalties for faulty ones, to ensure the general economic equilibrium of the Waterfall platform.
Dynamic bandwidth adjusting in blockDAG networks (Tech brief)
Grybniak, S., Leonchyk, Y., Mazurok, I., Nashyvan, O., & Vorokhta, A. (2023).
Dynamic Bandwidth Adjusting in BlockDAG Networks. IEEE Blockchain, TechBrief, 1-5.
Abstract^
This work presents a mechanism for dynamically adapting a decentralized network to fluctuations in transaction flow, based on a directed acyclic graph (DAG) ledger structure. By incorporating this approach, a system can effectively respond to changing network workloads, ensuring a self-sufficient and adaptive environment for processing a transaction throughout its entire lifespan. Although this dynamic adoption mechanism is designed explicitly for the current version of the Waterfall platform, the presented approach possesses the potential to be applied across a wide range of networks built on the blockDAG principle, owing to a set of tuning parameters.
Decentralized governance: decision-making based on voting
Leonchyk, Y., Kichmarenko, O., Grybniak, S., Mazurok, I., Nashyvan, O., & Vorokhta, A. (2023).
Decentralized governance: decision-making based on voting. Project and logistics management: new knowledge based on two methodologies. Book 7, 163-166.
Abstract^
In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, the need for sustainability and responsible stewardship of our planet has never been more pressing. As global concerns over climate change, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation continue to escalate, individuals, businesses, and governments are increasingly turning their attention to sustainable practices. This shift towards sustainability is not merely a passing trend; it represents a fundamental transformation in how we perceive and interact with our environment
An incentive system for decentralized DAG-based platforms
Mazurok, I., Leonchyk, Y., Grybniak, S., Nashyvan, O., & Masalskyi, R. (2022).
An incentive system for decentralized DAG-based platforms. Applied Aspects of Information Technology, 3(5), 196-207.
Abstract^
Decentralized public platforms are becoming increasingly popular due to a growing number of applications for various areas of business, finance, and social life. Authorless nodes can easily join such networks without any confirmation, making a transparent system of rewards and punishments crucial for the self-sustainability of public platforms. To achieve this, a system for incentivizing and punishing Workers’ behavior should be tightly integrated into the corresponding consensus protocol, taking into account all of its features, and facilitating a favorable and supportive environment with equal rights for all participants. All honest nodes make common decisions based only on information recorded into the ledger without overloading the network with additional interactions, since such data are always identical and available. The main goal of this work is to design a fair distribution of rewards among honest Workers, and to establish values for penalties for faulty ones, to ensure the general economic equilibrium of the Waterfall platform.
Multi-objective optimization of committee selection for hierarchical byzantine fault tolerance-based consensus protocols
Mazurok, I., Leonchyk, Y., Grybniak, S., Vorokhta, A., & Nashyvan, O. (2023).
Multi-objective optimization of committee selection for hierarchical byzantine fault tolerance-based consensus protocols. Herald of Advanced Information Technology, 6(1), 39–53.
Abstract^
Decentralized platforms like blockchain have been attracting significant attention in recent years, especially in the context of financial and payment systems. They are designed to provide a transparent, secure, and reliable environment for digital transactions without the need for a central authority. The core of a decentralized platform like blockchain is a consensus layer that allows all participants (called Workers), who properly operate and follow all network protocols and have access to the same state of the distributed ledger, to coordinate their actions and arrive at the same decisions. However, some Workers may be temporarily offline at their own discretion, without any confirmation, or their work may be faulty due to technical circumstances, resulting in unpredictable behavior. The goal of this article is to present an approach for multi-objective optimizing of Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT)-based consensus protocols, to reduce the impact on the network of faulty participants. Two criteria were considered – minimization of the number of sent service messages, and maximization of the mathematical expectation of the number of produced blocks. The result is a method to determine the optimal committee size and distribution of Workers, depending on their total number in the network and the expected proportion of Byzantine faulty nodes. All protocol amendments presented in this work are tested with corresponding simulation models and have demonstrated notable enhancements in the performance of the system and decreased the load on network nodes. These improvements will be implemented to the consensus protocol Gozalandia on the Waterfall platform, enhancing its overall reliability, performance, and security. In addition, the presented optimizing algorithm can be applied to a wide range of consensus protocols in blockchains, where blocks must be signed by randomly selected committees to confirm their validity.
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