BACKGROUND

Field

This disclosure generally relates to networks implementing a blockchain. More specifically, this disclosure relates to off-chain storage of data accessible within the context of a blockchain network.

Description of the Related Art

Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger that allows multiple parties to engage in secure, trusted transactions with one another without an intermediary. The blockchain itself can include a chain of blocks that are linked together cryptographically, with each block in the chain storing one or more transactions and the number of blocks in the chain growing over time. The blocks can be linked together using a cryptographic hash. For example, each block can include a cryptographic hash of a previous block in the chain. Because each block includes a cryptographic hash of a previous block in the chain, a transaction stored in one block cannot be altered without all subsequent blocks being altered as well. The likelihood that all subsequent blocks being altered is low given that such an alteration would require approval from a majority of the computing devices or participants participating in the blockchain.

Individual blockchain records cannot hold much data, often on the order of single kilobytes. Off-chain backend data storage linked to a blockchain can increase the amount of storage available in the context of a blockchain-based network.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods, and devices described herein each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, several non-limiting features will now be discussed briefly.

Systems and/or computer systems are disclosed that comprise a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied thereon, and one or more processors configured to execute the program instructions to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising one or more aspects of the above- and/or below-described embodiments (including one or more aspects of the appended claims, which are incorporated in this written description by reference).

Computer-implemented methods are disclosed in which, by one or more processors executing program instructions, one or more aspects of the above-and/or below-described embodiments (including one or more aspects of the appended claims) are implemented and/or performed.

Computer program products comprising a computer readable storage medium are also disclosed, wherein the computer readable storage medium has program instructions embodied thereon the program instructions executable by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising one or more aspects of the above- and/or below-described embodiments (including one or more aspects of the appended claims).

