The Robustness of Blockchains to Network Delays

Explore a detailed technical lecture examining blockchain security and network delays, delivered by Dr. Suryanarayana Sankagiri from EPFL, Switzerland. Delve into the analysis of blockchain protocols' security, particularly focusing on the longest-chain protocol used in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, when operating under random and potentially unbounded network delays. Learn how the security analysis connects to fundamental properties of random processes, and gain insights into broader implications for blockchain robustness. Understand recent research developments that challenge traditional assumptions about bounded end-to-end network delays in blockchain systems. Examine specific findings from published works in Stochastic Systems and Financial Cryptography, including discussions on blockchain CAP theorem and its implications for user-dependent adaptivity and finality. Benefit from Dr. Sankagiri's expertise in mathematical modeling, probability, networks, and optimization, developed through his academic journey at UIUC and current postdoctoral research at EPFL's Information and Network Dynamics Lab.