BPI: A Novel Efficient and Reliable Search Structure for Hybrid Storage Blockchain

TL;DR

This paper introduces BPI, a lightweight, efficient search framework for hybrid storage blockchains that improves keyword search accuracy and reduces update costs using novel validation and search techniques.

Contribution

BPI is a new framework that enhances search efficiency and correctness in blockchain systems by introducing Articulated Search and validation models for hybrid storage environments.

Findings

BPI outperforms EthMB+ and other search databases in scalability and performance.

It achieves low overhead in search and update operations.

Experimental results confirm its effectiveness in real blockchain scenarios.

Abstract

Hybrid storage solutions have emerged as potent strategies to alleviate the data storage bottlenecks prevalent in blockchain systems. These solutions harness off-chain Storage Services Providers (SPs) in conjunction with Authenticated Data Structures (ADS) to ensure data integrity and accuracy. Despite these advancements, the reliance on centralized SPs raises concerns about query correctness. Although ADS can verify the existence of individual query results, they fall short of preventing SPs from omitting valid results. In this paper, we delineate the fundamental distinctions between data search in blockchains and traditional database systems. Drawing upon these insights, we introduce BPI, a lightweight framework that enables efficient keyword queries and maintenance with low overhead. We propose "Articulated Search", a query pattern specifically designed for blockchain environments that enhances search efficiency while significantly reducing costs during data user updates. Furthermore, BPI employs a suite of validation models to ensure the inclusion of all valid content in search results while maintaining low overhead. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate that the BPI framework achieves outstanding scalability and performance in keyword searches within blockchain, surpassing EthMB+ and state of the art search databases commonly used in mainstream hybrid storage blockchains (HSB).