2019-05-27

Over 250 GB of data is shared across Bitcoin nodes all around the world. This amount of data constitutes available entropy to anyone with access to a full node.
Is it possible to measure and benefit from the blockchain’s entropy?
Ranging from a compression algorithm to transfers within the Bitcoin network, what are the possible applications?
We propose a feasibility study which, in case of a successful outcome, could lead to various practical applications.

2019-05-27

Lightning Network proposes itself as a solution to Bitcoin’s scalability problem.
Currently it can be seen as an empirical solution, as the effectiveness of the protocol hasn’t be proven yet as it mostly depends on the routing algorithm in real conditions.
We propose an evaluation of algorithm efficiency and protocol scalability through the usage of a Lightning Network simulator.
Based on the obtained results it will be possible to understand if it’s necessary to change the current routing algorithm.

2019-05-27

Currently the LN requires the complete knowledge of the graph to construct multi-hop routes. This represents a routing and a privacy problem.
Searching routes with partial graph knowledge could allow more efficient routing algorithms and higher privacy levels.
Existing technologies using similar principles are DHT implementations like BitTorrent, Kademlia or IPFS. Example past studies on the subject are those on pheromone or ant routing.
We propose a feasibility study of routing over the LN with partial graph knowledge.

2019-05-27

A potential problem of LN is channel imbalance, which makes it harder to find a path with enough capacity to pay, even when enough funds are available on the network.
The LN could thus benefit from incentives for and automation of channel rebalancing.
An idea discussed during LN’s early days was the use of negative fees as a balancing system based on economic incentives.
We propose a feasibility analysis of routing schemes with negative fees and potential resulting benefits.

2019-06-13

The Lightning Network allows atomic routing of messages linked to the ransmission of some amount of value. The same concept could be extended to general purpose messages, creating a private and distributed message system with biult-in economic incentives. We propose the implementation of a proof-of-concept general purpose message system on top of the LN protocol and current implementations.

2019-05-27

For the success of the LN its adoption by users and merchants is crucial.
Given the complexity of the protocol, a critical point for its adoption is the learning curve for new potential users.
Several researches have been conducted on this subject but results haven’t led to successful products, hence satisfying, so far.
We propose a research, based on the current state of LN, which will also consider forthcoming development and functionalities.

2019-05-27

Is privacy measurable? Bitcoin tries to safeguard the user’s privacy, but a means to measure the privacy of UTXOs, transactions and the blockchain is still missing.
Join Market and the Lightning Network add extra privacy layers, potentially even more interesting and difficult to quantify.
We propose the formulation of one or more metrics to observe the privacy provided by Bitcoin and its evolution, as protocol and technological park.

2019-05-27

Distributed storage mechanisms have many possible use cases, from tokens over bitcoin to payment proofs, documents and metadata.
DHT, a class of existing decentralized distributed systems, could constitute a good starting example.
For a distributed storage to achieve reliability and sustainability stronger incentives are needed, as proven by the poor usage of existing systems.
We propose an analysis of current available incentives and the formulation of innovative schemes.