Learn Nervos $CKB

NC-MAX is a consensus protocol in the Nervos Network that aims to improve the throughput and network latency of the blockchain while maintaining decentralization and security.

The main design goals of NC-MAX are:

Increase throughput: increase the transaction processing capacity of the blockchain.

Reduce latency: reduce block confirmation time.

Maintain decentralization: ensure that the decentralization and security of the network are not affected.

NC-MAX is an improvement on Bitcoin's Nakamoto consensus (NC). Several key mechanisms are introduced:

a. Two-layer block structure

NC-MAX uses a two-layer block structure, including the main block (Main Block) and the secondary block (Secondary Block). The main block contains all transaction data, while the secondary block is a reference to the main block and records the hash value of the main block.

b. Secondary block reward

Miners can not only get rewards by mining the main block, but also get additional rewards through the secondary block. Encourage miners to continue mining secondary blocks based on the main block to increase network throughput.

Two-step transaction process

Propose: In this stage, miners propose a candidate block containing unconfirmed transactions.

Commit: In this stage, miners verify and confirm the proposed block to ensure its validity and consistency.

Dynamic block interval adjustment

Mechanism: Dynamically adjust the block generation interval based on network performance.

Purpose: Keep the number of orphan blocks low while increasing transaction throughput.

Difficulty adjustment

Include all blocks (including orphan blocks) in the difficulty adjustment calculation.

Purpose: Defend against selfish mining attacks, that is, a group of miners increase their own profits by privately mining and weaken the interests of other miners.