Blockchain Architecture Made Easy

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8 May 2023
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Have you ever wondered how blockchain technology works? How does it store and transfer data securely and transparently without the need for a central authority or intermediary? How does it handle the increasing demand and complexity of the network? 

Well, if you’re curious about these questions, then you’re in luck. In this article, I’m going to explain to you the basics of blockchain architecture.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think “ugh, not another boring and complicated topic”, hear me out. Blockchain architecture is actually super cool and fascinating. And it’s not as hard as it sounds. Trust me, I was once clueless and confused about blockchain technology. I had no idea how it worked or why it mattered. I felt like I was missing out on something big and important.


But then I read about blockchain architecture. And everything changed. I realized that blockchain technology is not just a bunch of numbers and codes. It’s a way of storing and transferring data securely and transparently without the need for a central authority or intermediary. It’s a way of creating a more fair and democratic world. It’s a way of making the internet better for everyone.

And the best part is: blockchain architecture is not rocket science. It’s actually quite simple and fun to understand. All you need is an open mind and a sense of adventure. And that’s what I’m here for. This is how I wish blockchain architecture was explained to me when I started my journey. And I’m sure you’ll love it too. Let's dive in.

What is Blockchain Technology?

Before we dive into blockchain architecture, let’s first review what blockchain technology is and why it’s so awesome. Blockchain technology is a way of storing and transferring data securely and transparently without the need for a central authority or intermediary. You can think of it as a giant digital ledger that records all the transactions that happen on a network. For example, if you send me some cryptocurrency (which is a type of digital money that runs on blockchain), the transaction will be recorded on the blockchain for everyone to see. No one can tamper with or delete the transaction once it’s on the blockchain. Pretty cool, huh?

"Blockchain technology is like the internet in the 1990s. It's a technology that's going to revolutionize the way we live and work." - Bobby Lee


But how does blockchain technology achieve this level of security and transparency? How does it ensure that the data is valid and consistent across the network? How does it prevent fraud and corruption? Well, that’s where blockchain architecture comes in.


What is Blockchain Architecture?

Blockchain architecture is the way that blockchain technology is designed and structured to achieve its goals and functions. It’s like the blueprint or the skeleton of the system. It defines how the data is stored, how the nodes communicate, how the transactions are verified, how the applications are built, and so on.

Now, here’s the thing: blockchain architecture is not one-size-fits-all. There are different types of blockchains with different features and purposes. For example, some blockchains are public and open to anyone, while others are private and restricted to a specific group of participants. Some blockchains are faster and cheaper than others but may sacrifice some security or scalability. Some blockchains are more flexible and adaptable than others but may require more coordination and governance.


So how do we make sense of all these differences and variations? How do we compare and evaluate different blockchains? Well, one way to do that is to use a layered approach.

What are Blockchain Layers?

A layered approach means that we break down the complex system into smaller and simpler parts, each responsible for a specific function or interaction. By doing this, we can isolate and analyze each part separately, and then see how they work together as a whole.

There are different ways to divide the layers of blockchain architecture, but one common way is to use five layers based on their functionality:

  • Infrastructure or hardware layer: This is the layer that provides the physical devices and servers that store and backup the blockchain data. It also includes the client-server architecture that allows for data exchange among the nodes in the network. In some categorizations, this is known as Layer 0.
  • Data layer: This is the layer that contains the actual data stored on the blockchain, such as transactions, blocks, hashes, etc. It also defines the data structure and format of the blockchain. This is also known as Layer 1 in some categorizations.
  • Network layer: This is the layer that handles the communication and interaction among the nodes in the network. It also implements the peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol that enables data sharing and synchronization. This is also part of Layer 1
  • Consensus layer: This is the layer that ensures the security and validity of the data on the blockchain. It also defines the rules and mechanisms for reaching consensus among the nodes on the state of the blockchain. This layer is also part of Layer 1.
  • Application and presentation layer: This is the layer that provides the user-facing applications and interfaces that interact with the blockchain. It also includes smart contracts, decentralized applications (DApps), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), etc. This layer is also known as layer 2 or layer 3 in some categorizations, depending on whether they are built on top of or alongside layer 1 protocols.



Let me give you an analogy to help you understand these layers better. Imagine that you want to build a house. The first thing you need is a piece of land where you can construct your house. This is like the infrastructure or hardware layer of blockchain architecture. You need a place where you can store your data securely.

The next thing you need is a foundation for your house. This is like the data layer of blockchain architecture. You need a solid base where you can store your data in an organized and consistent way.

The next thing you need is a framework for your house. This is like the network layer of blockchain architecture. You need a structure that connects all parts of your house together and allows for communication and interaction.

The next thing you need is a roof for your house. This is like the consensus layer of blockchain architecture. You need protection that covers your house and ensures its security and integrity.

The last thing you need is the decoration for your house. This is like the application and presentation layer of blockchain architecture. You need some features that make your house more attractive and functional for yourself and others.

So now you have a basic idea of what each layer does and why it’s important. But how do these layers interact with each other? How do they work together to create a functioning blockchain system? Well, let’s go back to our house analogy and see how it works.

Let’s say you want to send me some cryptocurrency as a gift. How would that transaction go through the blockchain layers?

First, you would use an application or interface on the application and presentation layer to initiate the transaction. This could be a wallet app, a web browser, or a mobile device. You would enter my address and the amount of cryptocurrency you want to send me, and then confirm the transaction.

Next, the transaction would be broadcasted to the network layer, where it would be propagated to all the nodes in the network. Each node would receive and validate the transaction using the rules and mechanisms defined by the consensus layer. The consensus layer would ensure that the transaction is legitimate and that you have enough funds to send me.

Next, the transaction would be added to a block of data on the data layer, along with other transactions that happened around the same time. The block would be hashed and linked to the previous block on the blockchain, forming a chain of blocks that contains all the transaction history on the network.

Next, the block would be stored and backed up on the infrastructure or hardware layer, where it would be replicated and distributed among multiple devices and servers. This would ensure that the data is secure and resilient against any attacks or failures.

Finally, I would receive your gift on my application or interface on the application and presentation layer. I would see your transaction on my wallet app, web browser, or mobile device. I would also see the confirmation of the transaction on the blockchain.

And that’s how a simple transaction goes through the blockchain layers.

Of course, this is a very simplified explanation of how blockchain architecture works. There are many more details and nuances that we haven’t covered here. For example, there are different types of consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, proof-of-authority, etc. There are also different types of applications and interfaces, such as smart contracts, DApps, NFTs, etc. There are also different types of blockchains, such as public, private, consortium-based, etc.

But don’t worry, friend. I’ll be dropping more articles to simplify these concepts and explain them in an easy and fun way. So, stay tuned.

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new today. If you have any questions or comments about blockchain architecture or anything else related to blockchain technology, feel free to reach out to me anytime. I’m always happy to chat with you about my favorite topic.

Remember to stay awesome, stay inspired, and stay true to yourself. Thanks for reading.

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