Non-interactive Proof-of-Proof-of-Work (NIPoPoWs)
NIPoPoWs is a powerful cryptographic protocol integrated into the Ergo blockchain, enabling efficient authentication of blockchain events using proof-of-work.
NIPoPoWs allow verifying that an event took place without requiring a direct network connection or downloading all block headers, making them particularly useful for cross-chain communication, sidechains, and light clients.
"NIPoPoWs consist of a prover (full node) and a verifier (who does not have access to the full blockchain but knows its genesis block). The prover generates a short proof that convinces the verifier that an event occurred."
How NIPoPoWs Work
NIPoPoWs consist of a prover (full node on the source blockchain) and a verifier (who does not have access to the full blockchain but knows its genesis block).
- Short proof generation
- Polylogarithmic proof size
- Honest majority assumption
Ergo's Block Structure
Ergo's block structure incorporates an extension section that houses NIPoPoW links, updated every 1,024 block epochs.
- Extension section with NIPoPoW links
- Updated every 1,024 blocks
- Selective block downloading
Applications of NIPoPoWs
Light Clients
NIPoPoWs facilitate the creation of efficient light clients, enhancing accessibility and scalability of blockchain networks.
- • Minimal storage requirements
- • Succinct proof verification
- • Mobile accessibility
Light Miners
NIPoPoWs enable logarithmic space mining, allowing "light miners" to start with block headers without downloading the entire blockchain.
- • Logarithmic storage growth
- • Selective block retention
- • Full validation capability
Sidechains
NIPoPoWs enable the construction of trustless proof-of-work sidechains, allowing communication between blockchains without trusted intermediaries.
- • Two-way peg implementation
- • Cross-chain communication
- • SPV proof security
Security Features
The security of NIPoPoWs relies on the honest majority assumption. The verifier accepts multiple proofs, and as long as at least one of them is honestly generated, the verifier can extract the correct information.
- Honest majority assumption
- Multiple proof acceptance
- Attack resistance
Efficiency Benefits
NIPoPoWs provide significant efficiency improvements for blockchain networks and applications.
- Polylogarithmic proof size
- Reduced bandwidth usage
- Optimized storage requirements
Adoption Considerations
To adopt NIPoPoWs, the source blockchain needs to support interlink structures, which can be added through a velvet fork without requiring a hard fork. The target blockchain must be able to run the NIPoPoW verification function.
Source Blockchain
- Interlink structure support
- Velvet fork implementation
- No hard fork required
Target Blockchain
- NIPoPoW verification function
- Turing-complete language support
- Smart contract capability
Research and Development
NIPoPoWs have been a crucial part of the Ergo blockchain since its inception. Ergo is dedicated to continually exploring the potential of NIPoPoWs and expanding this research area in collaboration with partners at IOHK.
Increased use of NIPoPoWs is anticipated with ongoing contributions from the active developer community, positioning Ergo at the forefront of this research area.