Optimum: A revolutionary solution that injects 'memory' into blockchain.
In traditional computer architecture, memory (RAM) and hard drive (Storage) each have their roles: the hard drive is responsible for large capacity storage but has slower read and write speeds; memory provides high-speed read and write, suitable for frequently accessed data. This design ensures the efficiency of computers when handling large amounts of data.
However, current blockchain systems are like computers with only hard drives and no memory. All transaction and state information must be synchronized through network broadcasting, resulting in slow response speeds, high delays, and limited user experience.
Optimum emerged in this context, aiming to introduce high-performance components similar to memory into blockchain to enhance overall efficiency and user experience.
What is Optimum?
Optimum is a project co-founded by a team of experts from MIT and Harvard University, dedicated to providing low-latency, high-throughput, modular decentralized memory architecture for any blockchain. Its core components include:
OptimumP2P: A new generation high-performance Gossip protocol based on Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) technology.
DeRAM: A readable and writable decentralized random access memory layer.
With these two components, Optimum gives blockchain systems fast read and write capabilities similar to computer memory, providing a near Web2 real-time response experience for decentralized applications (dApp).
OptimumP2P: Restructuring the Gossip protocol
Traditional Gossip protocols are used for information broadcasting between nodes in blockchain, but they have the following issues:
Information must be received and then forwarded, leading to slow transaction confirmations and high broadcast delays.
The same information is repeatedly broadcast, causing bandwidth waste and increasing hardware requirements and operating costs.
OptimumP2P utilizes RLNC technology to encode data into multiple linear combinations of fragments, enabling:
Even if some data is lost, the original information can be recovered from the remaining fragments, enhancing packet loss resistance.
Nodes can forward data while receiving it, accelerating block broadcasting and improving efficiency.
Reduce redundant data transmission, lower bandwidth consumption and operating costs.
This innovation allows the blockchain network to maintain efficient operation even in high concurrency scenarios.
DeRAM: Building a decentralized memory layer
DeRAM is a decentralized memory layer composed of permissionless nodes (Flexnodes) with the following characteristics:
Atomic read and write: Data operations have consistency, results can be verified, and security is equivalent to local memory.
High concurrency read and write: Non-blocking and conflict-free, suitable for high-frequency trading, real-time applications, and other scenarios.
Strong fault tolerance: Even if some nodes act maliciously, data can still be correctly returned.
Through DeRAM, blockchain systems can achieve fast and reliable data access, meeting the high real-time requirements of applications.
The application significance of Optimum
The introduction of Optimum has a positive impact on all participants in the blockchain ecosystem:
For L1/L2 blockchains: Increase block broadcasting speed, reduce network load, and improve overall performance.
For validator nodes: Improve packaging efficiency, reduce block failures caused by delays, and lower operating costs.
For dApp developers: Realize truly real-time, second-response on-chain applications and enhance user experience.
For end users: Faster transaction confirmations, smoother on-chain interactions, and lower usage thresholds.
According to validation by the Ethereum Foundation, RLNC technology can achieve a 20-fold increase in bandwidth efficiency, further proving Optimum's potential.
Conclusion
Optimum brings revolutionary improvements to blockchain systems by introducing high-performance components similar to memory. Its innovative OptimumP2P protocol and DeRAM memory layer not only enhance network efficiency and data processing capabilities but also lay a solid foundation for the widespread application of decentralized applications.
With the continuous development of blockchain technology, Optimum is expected to become an important force driving industry progress.
This article is for sharing and communication purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
