In a significant technological development toward security and decentralisation, Gala Games is revolutionizing its blockchain infrastructure by transitioning GalaChain from a Raft consensus mechanism to a more robust Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) consensus algorithm.
GalaChain is the first hyperledger fabric chain to release this update and this strategic migration represents a critical step towards creating a more secure and decentralized blockchain environment.
The transition is currently underway in the test environment, with plans to implement the changes on the mainnet in the near future. When completed, GalaChain will distinguish itself as one of the pioneering public Hyperledger Fabric blockchains to successfully implement this sophisticated consensus mechanism.
Migrating From Raft to BFT Consensus
At the heart of this upgrade is a drastic improvement in network resilience.
Raft, a Crash Fault Tolerant consensus algorithm, falls short in scenarios involving malicious activity. It operates under the assumption that network nodes will behave predictably and without malicious intent.
It can effectively manage non-malicious failures like system crashes or temporary downtime. However, this approach leaves significant vulnerabilities in a landscape increasingly threatened by sophisticated cyber attacks.
For instance, a compromised leader node or a network partition could disrupt operations and lead to incorrect decisions. This highlights the need for a more superior and secured upgrade.
The BFT Advantage Over Raft
By contrast, BFT algorithm introduces a more sophisticated approach to network consensus. It is designed for hostile environments where some nodes may behave maliciously.
BFT algorithms can withstand and neutralize potential malicious activities by requiring consensus from a substantial majority. Even if up to one-third of nodes act maliciously, it demands consensus from two-thirds of honest network nodes before finalizing any transaction.
This means that even if some nodes attempt to send false messages or manipulate the consensus process, the network remains stable and secure. This critical feature significantly reduces the risk of single point of failure, fortifying the network against targeted attacks and improving fault tolerance.
Building Trust and Reliability
The implications of this upgrade extend beyond mere technical optimization. For users and developers in the Gala Games ecosystem, the BFT migration promises enhanced trust, improved transaction reliability, and a more robust blockchain infrastructure that can effectively resist potential security threats.
As blockchain transitions with features that reduce risks and improves security, Gala Games’ proactive approach to network security demonstrates a commitment to the future of the ecosystem by creating trustworthy digital platforms.