Taxonomy of Blockchain Technologies. Principles of Identification and Classification

TL;DR

This paper develops a hierarchical taxonomy of blockchain technologies by dissecting them into fundamental building blocks, classifying their components, and comparing alternative configurations to facilitate understanding and navigation of blockchain architectures.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive taxonomy framework that systematically categorizes blockchain components and configurations, aiding in the analysis and design of blockchain systems.

Findings

Hierarchical classification of blockchain components

Comparison of alternative blockchain layouts

A taxonomy tree as a navigation tool

Abstract

A comparative study across the most widely known blockchain technologies is conducted with a bottom-up approach. Blockchains are disentangled into building blocks. Each building block is then hierarchically classified in main and subcomponents. Then, alternative layouts for the subcomponents are identified and compared between them. Finally, a taxonomy tree summarises the study and provides a navigation tool across different blockchain architectural configurations.