A Novel Merging Framework for Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Blockchain Systems

Liehuang Zhu, Sadaf Bukhari, Kashif Sharif, Fan Li, Shumaila Fardous, Sujit Biswas

Abstract: This paper presents two solutions for merging diverse blockchain systems: Homogeneous Chain Consolidation (HCC) and Heterogeneous Multi-chain Integration Architecture (HMIA). As blockchain networks expand, integrating these disparate ledgers becomes crucial. HCC merges similar chains using common genesis blocks, enhancing efficiency by pooling validator resources. HMIA integrates different chains through meta-blocks, balancing compatibility and autonomy. We evaluate these approaches using consensus times, block sizes, and ledger growth. HCC improves throughput and efficiency, while HMIA prioritizes decentralized attributes. Use case-based evaluation shows that the proposed work can be seamlessly integrated with existing solutions, while the performance of implementation proves the low cost of resources in merged networks. Our frameworks offer insights into merging blockchains, addressing critical challenges in interconnected decentralized networks.