A Pattern-Oriented Reference Architecture for Governance-Driven Blockchain Systems

【Author】 Liu, Yue; Lu, Qinghua; Yu, Guangsheng; Paik, Hye-Young; Zhu, Liming

【Source】2023 IEEE 20TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE, ICSA

【影响因子】

【Abstract】Blockchain technology has been integrated into diverse software applications by enabling a decentralised architecture design. However, the defects of on-chain algorithmic mechanisms, and tedious disputes and debates in off-chain communities may affect the operation of blockchain systems. Accordingly, blockchain governance has received great interest for supporting the design, use, and maintenance of blockchain systems, hence improving the overall trustworthiness. Although much effort has been put into this research topic, there is a distinct lack of consideration for blockchain governance from the perspective of software architecture design. In this study, we propose a pattern-oriented reference architecture for governance-driven blockchain systems, which can provide guidance for future blockchain architecture design. We design the reference architecture based on an extensive review of architectural patterns for blockchain governance in academic literature and industry implementation. The reference architecture consists of four layers. We demonstrate the components in each layer, annotating with the identified patterns. A qualitative analysis of mapping two concrete blockchain architectures, Polkadot and Quorum, on the reference architecture is conducted, to evaluate the correctness and utility of proposed reference architecture.

【Keywords】Software engineering; reference architecture; blockchain governance; decision rights; incentive; accountability; pattern

【发表时间】2023

【收录时间】2023-07-01

【文献类型】理论性文章

【主题类别】

区块链技术-协同技术-软件工程