RemoteBlock: A Scalable Blockchain Storage Framework for Ethereum

Abstract

This paper addresses the continuously increasing storage demands challenge faced by blockchain networks, with a particular focus on Ethereum. We propose a novel framework that divides the network into consensus nodes, which inherit Ethereum characteristics, and storage nodes responsible for storing Merkle Patricia Trie (MPT) nodes. This design aims to reduce the storage load on individual nodes by distributing MPT nodes based on their key values. Our approach maintains network security and data integrity while easing the storage burden through a distributed storage mechanism. Key to our work is the dynamic adjustment of storage load across an expandable network of storage nodes. We validate our framework through practical experiments, involving modifications to the go-ethereum source code and testing with authentic Ethereum block data. The results confirm that our work not only mitigates storage issues but also enhances synchronization efficiency.