Supernova Architecture
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Supernova's technical architecture, explaining how the various components work together to create a secure, scalable, and environmentally sustainable blockchain.
System Architecture Overview
Supernova consists of several interconnected layers that together form a complete blockchain ecosystem:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Application Layer │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Wallets │ │ dApps │ │ Enterprise Tools │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
▲
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Service Layer │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ │ REST API │ │ JSON-RPC │ │ Lightning Network │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
▲
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Core Layer │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Consensus │ │ Cryptography│ │ State Management │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Mempool │ │ Validation │ │ Environmental │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
▲
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Network Layer │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────────────┐ │
│ │ P2P Network │ │ Sybil │ │ Data Propagation │ │
│ │ │ │ Protection │ │ │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ └─────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
▲
│
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Storage Layer │
│ ┌─────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Blockchain Storage │ │ State Database │ │
│ └─────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Layer Details
1. Application Layer
The Application Layer provides interfaces for users and developers to interact with the Supernova blockchain:
- Wallets: Client software for managing keys and transactions
- dApps: Decentralized applications built on the Supernova platform
- Enterprise Tools: Integration tools for business systems and custom applications
2. Service Layer
The Service Layer exposes blockchain functionality through standardized APIs:
- REST API: HTTP-based API for web applications
- JSON-RPC: Compatible with Bitcoin-style RPC calls
- Lightning Network Interface: API for off-chain payment channels
- WebSocket API: Real-time data streaming
3. Core Layer
The Core Layer contains the fundamental blockchain logic:
- Consensus Engine: Implements Supernova's environmentally-aware proof-of-work
- Cryptography Module: Quantum-resistant and traditional cryptographic functions
- State Management: UTXO tracking and state transitions
- Mempool: Transaction pool management with prioritization
- Validation Engine: Transaction and block validation rules
- Environmental Module: Carbon tracking and offset management
4. Network Layer
The Network Layer handles peer-to-peer communication:
- P2P Network: Node discovery and connection management
- Sybil Protection: Mechanisms to prevent network manipulation
- Data Propagation: Efficient block and transaction broadcasting
- Eclipse Attack Prevention: Connection diversity enforcement
5. Storage Layer
The Storage Layer manages persistent data:
- Blockchain Storage: Efficient storage of blocks and transactions
- State Database: Fast access to current UTXO set
- Index Management: Various indices for efficient queries
Key Components
Consensus Mechanism
Supernova uses an environmentally-aware proof-of-work consensus with these key features:
- Hash Algorithm: Custom algorithm optimized for energy efficiency
- Difficulty Adjustment: Every 2016 blocks with enhanced manipulation protection
- Block Time: 2.5-minute average
- Green Mining Incentives: Enhanced rewards for verified renewable energy
Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
Supernova implements multiple quantum-resistant algorithms:
- Signatures: Dilithium for transaction signing
- Hash Functions: SHA-3 with extended output
- Key Encapsulation: NTRU for secure key exchange
- Zero-Knowledge Proofs: Lattice-based ZK proofs for privacy
Environmental Subsystem
The environmental components track and offset carbon emissions:
- Emissions Calculator: Estimates network energy usage and carbon footprint
- REC Verifier: Validates renewable energy certificates
- Carbon Offset Manager: Integrates with verified carbon offset projects
- Environmental Dashboard: Public reporting of emissions and offsets
Lightning Network
The integrated Lightning Network provides scalability:
- Payment Channels: Off-chain transaction capability
- Quantum-Secure Channels: Post-quantum cryptography for channels
- Routing Algorithm: Efficient path finding with fee optimization
- Watchtower Service: Protection against channel fraud
Technical Specifications
Block Structure
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Block Header │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Version │ 4 bytes │
│ Previous Block │ 32 bytes │
│ Merkle Root │ 32 bytes │
│ Timestamp │ 4 bytes │
│ Difficulty Target│ 4 bytes │
│ Nonce │ 4 bytes │
│ Environmental │ 32 bytes │
│ Hash Extension │ 32 bytes │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Transaction Data │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Transaction 1 │
│ Transaction 2 │
│ ... │
│ Transaction N │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
Block Size and Throughput
- Maximum Block Size: 4 MB
- Maximum Transactions/Block: ~10,000
- Maximum TPS (Base Layer): ~60-70 TPS
- Lightning Network TPS: Up to 1 million+ TPS
Network Parameters
- Default Port: 8335 (P2P), 8334 (RPC)
- Peer Connection Limit: 125 default
- Minimum Peers: 8 for block relay
- Maximum Outbound Connections: 8
- Maximum Inbound Connections: 117
Deployment Configurations
Supernova supports multiple deployment models:
Full Node
A complete implementation that:
- Validates all blocks and transactions
- Maintains a complete copy of the blockchain
- Participates in block and transaction relay
- Supports all API services
Light Node
A lightweight implementation that:
- Verifies block headers
- Uses simplified payment verification (SPV)
- Requires minimal storage (< 1 GB)
- Suitable for mobile and IoT devices
Mining Node
A specialized node for mining that:
- Validates blocks and creates new blocks
- Maintains a full copy of the blockchain
- Requires specialized hardware for POW
- Includes environmental reporting modules
Enterprise Node
A high-performance implementation that:
- Provides enhanced API capabilities
- Offers extended data retention
- Supports multiple database backends
- Includes advanced monitoring and analytics
Integration Points
Supernova provides multiple integration points for third-party systems:
- API Gateways: REST, JSON-RPC, GraphQL
- Event Subscriptions: Real-time transaction and block notifications
- Database Hooks: Direct database integration for enterprise systems
- Environmental API: Carbon footprint analytics and offsetting
Security Architecture
Multiple security layers protect the network:
- Cryptographic Security: Post-quantum algorithms for long-term protection
- Network Security: Sybil resistance and eclipse attack prevention
- Consensus Security: Manipulation-resistant difficulty adjustment
- Application Security: Formal verification of critical components
For More Information
Detailed documentation on specific components: