All those who are familiar with blockchain will usually hear about PoW (Proof of Work) and PoS (Proof of Stake) consensus mechanisms. But the proof-of-storage consensus algorithm is a different approach to blockchain consensus.
In the proof-of-storage consensus algorithm, the main goal is for participants to prove that they store assets and data effectively and securely. Unlike proof-of-work and proof-of-stake algorithms, which are based on solving mathematical problems or the amount of financial assets, the proof-of-storage algorithm is based on factors such as the time required for storage and the amount of traffic.
Participants in the proof-of-storage consensus algorithm
This group is responsible for data storage and must prove that storage is done effectively.
Verifiers are responsible for verifying these proofs. They ensure that data is stored correctly and reliably by setting challenges for the provers.
Proof-of-storage consensus algorithm uses cryptography to validate data. It can also play a role in evaluating the validity of cloud storage servers. This algorithm rewards participants by combining information such as storage space and traffic.
Proof of storage algorithm has been used in cloud storage projects before the advent of blockchain and decentralized storage projects. With the explosion of data and the expansion of broadband networks, cloud storage has become an important application since 2005. Personal cloud storage platforms include DropBox, Google Drive, Microsoft’s OneDrive, and Apple’s iCloud. Also, enterprise cloud storage platforms include AWS S3, Microsoft’s Axure, Google Cloud, and more. These cloud storage services provide companies and individuals with a solution for safe storage and efficient access to large amounts of data.
However, data security is an important issue in cloud storage. Cloud storage service providers must gain users’ trust and prove that data is stored securely. The Proof-of-Storage Consensus Algorithm was developed to answer these challenges.
This mechanism proves that the server keeps the data without revealing the original information. Users can send data to the server and then the verifier checks if the server is still storing the data.
It is similar to PDP, but has improved retrieval capability and also enables data mining. This mechanism allows the verifier to check whether the server is still storing the data.
Using a secret verification key generated during setup, users can review and verify stored data privately.
Users who have access to public data must verify that the data is properly stored without revealing confidential information.
Consensus operations are non-delegable and outsourced, and proofers cannot delegate their work to others.
This algorithm provides transparency in decentralized storage networks with digital signature and identity of provers.
Consensus certificates are only valid for a certain period of time, which minimizes the possibility of forgery.
These features play an important role in structuring proof-of-storage consensus algorithm designs and are optimized along with developments in cloud storage.