In the world of blockchain technology, achieving speed and scalability
without compromising safety has always been a challenge.
However, Kaspa's innovative structure aims to solve
these problems by implementing the GhostDAG protocol. In that
blog post we'll dive deeper into the GhostDAG protocol and explore,
how it solves the fundamental problems of traditional blockchains.
What is the GhostDAG protocol? GhostDAG uses a clustering mechanism known as K-means clustering to sort and organize data on a chain. In this process, groups of data, including transactions, are grouped based on their similarities and assigned a centroid or mean value. The required number of centroids, denoted by the letter "K", is determined by the user. The goal of GhostDAG is to assign each datum to the closest cluster and keep the centroids as small as possible.
Using a "greedy algorithm", GhostDAG efficiently sorts the data and places each datum in the appropriate place. Unlike structured algorithms, a greedy algorithm optimizes a given problem based on the best possible solution at any given time. GhostDAG divides data blocks into two types: blue and red. Blue blocks are in the chain, but red blocks are not. Instead of identifying the largest cluster, GhostDAG's greedy algorithm focuses on finding the blue set with the most favorable clue and includes data from outside the set. By combining blue and red, a chain is formed in which the block of the selected clue is the most recent. This approach, combined with user-defined and acquired data, establishes topological order in the chain.
Solving problems with traditional blockchains. Kaspa's design primarily aims to solve the speed and scalability issues that plague traditional blockchains. While traditional systems rely on miners to verify transactions, this approach often sacrifices scalability. Kaspa aims to automate the approval process using the GhostDAG protocol while improving scalability and maintaining network security integrity. Moreover, Kaspa is designed as a permissionless network, providing access to all participants and eliminating the need for an administrator to act as a gatekeeper.
Moreover, Kaspa solves the critical problem of providing proof of work securely without compromising security. Although the transactions themselves are secure, the verification process requires a separate set of parameters and programming. Kaspa implements a technique called pruning, which involves removing data older than three days from the BlockDAG. By limiting the available data, Kaspa protects itself from 51% attack vulnerabilities. Centralized manipulation becomes virtually impossible unless more than 50% of the blockchain is under the control of a single entity. Data exceeding the three-day threshold is stored elsewhere, preventing hackers from accessing it and thwarting any takeover attempts.
The GhostDAG protocol, pioneered by Kaspa, represents a significant step forward in eliminating the limitations of traditional blockchains. Thanks to K-means clustering and a greedy algorithm, GhostDAG efficiently organizes data within the chain, and the use of pruning and unauthorized access improves scalability and security. Kaspa's innovative approach marks a major milestone in the blockchain industry, offering a promising solution to long-standing challenges of speed, scalability and security. With the GhostDAG protocol, blockchain technology is ready for a new era of efficiency and inclusivity.