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LazyLedger: A Distributed Data Availability Layer for Scalability-Optimized Blockchains

LazyLedger (later renamed to Celestia) is a foundational paper proposing the concept of a modular blockchain architecture. The author identifies that current bl

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Abstract

LazyLedger (later renamed to Celestia) is a foundational paper proposing the concept of a modular blockchain architecture. The author identifies that current blockchains combine execution, settlement, consensus, and data availability, which limits scalability. The paper proposes an architecture that separates the data availability and consensus layers from the execution layer. By providing a decentralized, secure data availability layer, the system enables users to verify that data has been published without having to download the entire chain. The proposal introduces the use of erasure coding and data availability proofs, which allow light clients to gain high levels of security while downloading only a small fraction of block data. This modularity allows for the creation of “rollups” and other execution environments that inherit security from the base data availability layer, providing a critical path to scaling blockchain ecosystems significantly beyond current limitations. Authors: Mustafa Al-Bassam Publication: arXiv preprint Publication date: 2019-01-01

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Key findings

  • Introduces modular blockchain architecture with a focus on data availability.
  • Uses erasure coding and sampling for efficient data availability verification.
  • Separates execution from consensus and data storage.
  • Enables trust-minimized light client verification.

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Citation

Mustafa Al-Bassam (2019). LazyLedger: A Distributed Data Availability Layer for Scalability-Optimized Blockchains. arXiv preprint. https://arxiv.org/abs/1905.09274
Canonical knowledge ID: research:lazyledger-a-distributed-data-availability-layer-for-scalability-optimized-blockchains