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Marco Fortina edited this page Oct 2, 2024 · 1 revision

Qyra: An Advanced Framework for Quantum-Resistant Proof-of-Work Mechanisms

Abstract

Qyra is an innovative library designed for integrating a quantum-resistant Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism within cryptocurrency systems. It leverages a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure and utilizes the Kyber-768 cryptographic suite to ensure resilience against both ASIC and quantum attacks. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Qyra's architecture, operational principles, and its potential impact on the security landscape of cryptocurrency.

1. Introduction

As quantum computing technology progresses, the security frameworks underpinning cryptocurrencies face unprecedented challenges. Qyra emerges as a proactive solution, designed not only to mitigate conventional threats but also to safeguard against the future risks posed by quantum attacks. By employing a DAG structure and advanced cryptographic techniques, Qyra offers a robust mechanism for secure PoW generation.

2. Objectives and Features of Qyra

Qyra encompasses several key objectives and features aimed at fortifying the security and efficiency of cryptocurrency systems:

  • Quantum Resistance: The integration of the Kyber-768 cryptographic suite provides robust security against potential quantum computing vulnerabilities, ensuring that PoW mechanisms remain viable in a post-quantum era.

  • ASIC Resistance: The design of Qyra employs a DAG structure and a longest path search algorithm to limit the efficiency of specialized ASIC devices, promoting a more decentralized mining environment.

  • Efficient Path Search: Qyra utilizes advanced algorithms, specifically the Depth-First Search (DFS), for finding the longest path within the DAG. This is crucial for generating PoW solutions efficiently, ensuring that the computational burden is evenly distributed across available resources.

  • Cryptographic Security: Modern cryptographic techniques are leveraged to enhance security without compromising performance, making Qyra suitable for high-demand cryptocurrency applications.

3. Operational Principles of Qyra

3.1. DAG Structure and Node Population

At the core of Qyra lies a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure, which is fundamental for generating and validating PoW solutions. The size of the matrix used in Qyra is 4096 x 4096 bits (2048 MiB), populated using a 144-byte input vector. This vector is generated through AES-256-CBC encryption, utilizing a 16-byte Initialization Vector (IV) and a 32-byte shared secret, which is generated and secured using the Kyber-768 algorithm.

To populate the graph's nodes, the input vector is read in chunks of 12 bits at a time. This process ensures that the graph's structure is effectively filled, enabling subsequent operations to proceed smoothly.

3.2. Input Vector and Graph Construction

The input vector, essential for constructing the graph, is composed of 144 bytes structured as follows:

  • nVersion: 4 bytes
  • hashPrevBlock: 32 bytes
  • hashMerkleRoot: 32 bytes
  • hashReserved: 32 bytes
  • nTime: 4 bytes
  • nBits: 4 bytes
  • nNonce: 32 bytes

After the initial assembly, an additional 4 bytes of padding are appended to the vector, which is then processed in chunks of 12 bits to populate the graph nodes. This method ensures a comprehensive distribution of data throughout the DAG, setting the stage for subsequent pathfinding and hashing operations.

3.3. Valid Path Identification

The primary challenge in Qyra involves identifying the longest valid path among the nodes of the graph. This computationally intensive task is central to the PoW mechanism, as the length of the path directly correlates with the difficulty and security of the solution.

Once a valid path is established, a hash of type Blake3, with a size of 256 bits (32 bytes), is computed. This hashing mechanism further enhances the security of the generated solution.

3.4. Solution Construction and Validation

The final solution generated by Qyra comprises an encrypted vector (ENC), the Initialization Vector (IV), the ciphertext, and the computed hash, resulting in a total size of 1280 bytes. This structured solution facilitates a validation process that can confirm its authenticity by matching it with the original input vector used during the graph generation.

4. Implementation and Usage

Qyra is designed for straightforward integration into existing cryptocurrency systems. The library provides intuitive APIs that facilitate the implementation of its functionalities, enabling developers to harness the benefits of its quantum-resistant PoW mechanism.

4.1. Code Examples

The Qyra repository includes several practical examples demonstrating how to utilize the library effectively:

  • Example 1: This example illustrates the initialization of a DAG and the implementation of the longest path search algorithm using DFS.

  • Example 2: This example demonstrates the process of validating a generated solution using the computed result, showcasing how to ensure that the solution corresponds to the same input vector used during the graph construction.

These examples serve as essential resources for developers seeking to integrate Qyra into their projects.

5. Benchmarking Qyra

5.1 Performance Metrics

On a system equipped with an Intel i7-7700HQ processor with 8 cores, Qyra demonstrates the following performance:

  • Average Generated Solutions per Second: 702.10 sol/s
  • Average Validated Solutions per Second: 744.06 sol/s

These metrics illustrate the library's efficiency in executing the Proof-of-Work mechanism, significantly improving upon earlier benchmarks. This provides a strong reference point for users considering integration into their cryptocurrency systems, ensuring both high-speed solution generation and validation.

5.2 Implications of Benchmark Results

These results indicate that Qyra can leverage multi-core processing effectively, making it suitable for environments where computational resources are abundant. Future optimizations could further enhance performance, particularly in scenarios involving higher core counts or more advanced processing units.

5.3 Future Benchmarking

As Qyra continues to evolve, ongoing benchmarking against various hardware configurations and cryptographic parameters will provide valuable data to the community, guiding both developers and users in optimizing their implementations.

6. Conclusion

Qyra represents a significant advancement in the security framework of cryptocurrencies, providing a robust and versatile solution for quantum-resistant Proof-of-Work mechanisms. Its innovative architecture, combined with advanced algorithms like DFS for efficient pathfinding, positions Qyra as a vital component for addressing future challenges in the blockchain space. With ongoing developments and optimizations, Qyra is poised to become a foundational element for next-generation cryptocurrency networks.

References

  • Qyra GitHub Repository. [Online]. Available: Qyra GitHub