For almost 11 years the focus of the blockchain space has been software over hardware. To a significant degree this has remain unchanged. However, a newer blockchain, High Performance Blockchain “HPB,” looks to capitalize on a possible paradigm shift.
A Paradigm Shift (Software to Hardware)
Software, GitHub, and the actual code has been the focus of the majority of blockchain projects. HPB has taken a slightly different approach. They still have a focus on software and their blockchain’s core code but have also highlighted the importance of hardware by designing and implementing unique hardware.
This potentially massive paradigm shift is exemplified by Amazon, in conjunction with Ethereum, launching a $100,000 Blockchain Contest. Their goal? A hardware-based blockchain solution. The $100,000 Amazon supported contest is looking for FPGA board design, truly randomness of algorithmic data and low energy hardware solutions. HPB happens to have developed and implemented all three.
HPB’s unique hardware includes a BOE (Blockchain Offload Engine) along with many different core technologies. THE BOE is a heterogeneous processing system focused on harmonizing hardware, firmware, and corresponding matching software. By doing so the entire process is streamlined allowing for incredible TPS (transactions per second). The current TPS is between 5,000 and 10,000 and is expected to stabilize at 10,000+.
To achieve this target performance and high concurrent computing acceleration, the BOE combines CPU capabilities and parallel processing capabilities of FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). These FPGA/ASIC chips designed by HPB are what makes the HPB blockchain unique.
Hardware is generally critiqued because it is a way for crypto platforms to charge elaborate rates for basic miners. HPB is different, setting a new standard. They provide their hardware for free to the users. They’ve set aside their ICO funds to equip those with HPB’s specific mining hardware.
What other platforms are giving away their hardware literally for free? What is HPB?
What is HPB?
High Performance Blockchain (HPB) is a “revolutionary permissionless blockchain architecture that combines HPB’s customized hardware BOE, with high-performance blockchain software, enabling unrivaled scalability.” This can in essence be broken into three categories: BOE Hardware Accelerator, Node Network, and HPB’s Consensus Algorithm.
The BOE Hardware Accelerator is one of the more intriguing aspects about HPB. This is a highly compatible customized hardware chipset. It has embedded ECDSA modules and a hardware random number generator. Few blockchains have even started to focus on hardware to ‘build’ out their blockchain. HPB is unique in this sense.
Node Network is not HPB specific but an important aspect to include in projects. This network includes voting and delegation by the HPB Foundation. These types of networks facilitate community engagement, voting, and interaction.
HPB Consensus Algorithm is Proof of Performance. No Proof of Work or Proof of Stake? Proof of Performance (PoP) is a consensus algo which generates HP-Nodes from the existing pool of Candidate Nodes every 200 blocks. This different type of consensus algo will likely be more adopted as blockchains realize issues with PoW and PoS.
HPB utilizes dedicated specification servers and the BOE hardware units. These chipsets are specifically designed to increase security and accelerate transactions while reducing bottlenecks. The result? One of the fastest TPS blockchains in crypto with unique hardware specifically designed by HPB for HPB’s blockchain.
The Result
The Amazon contest exemplifies how enterprises are finally giving hardware solutions a consideration. For over ten years the focus has been software. It is exciting to see a blockchain pivot its focus. This shift from a software focus to a hardware focus (even if just one blockchain is doing it) is a paradigm shift in itself.
Dedicated hardware makes a significant difference in terms of efficiency and security. The main focal points HPB.
The Amazon contest is not directly connected to HPB. However, it is important to note even big enterprises like Amazon are seeking hardware solutions to blockchain-based problems.
The question that remains is will HPB be mass adopted because of their hardware solutions?
Time will tell.
[Disclaimer: This views expressed in this article do not reflect the views of Blockchain Reporter and should not be taken as financial advice.]
To read the Crypto King’s prior articles or to get in contact directly with him, you can on Twitter (@JbtheCryptoKing) or Reddit. The King is the founder of PocketNode, ANON and actively trades cryptocurrencies.
