Abstract: According to an embodiment of a first aspect of the invention, there is a distributed network comprising a plurality of network nodes. Each of the plurality of network nodes is linked to a first node identity of a plurality of first node identities. Each of the plurality of first node identities comprises a first verification key of a public-key signature scheme. The distributed network is configured to perform a key shuffling step adapted to perform an unlinkable one-to-one mapping between the plurality of first node identities and a plurality of second node identities. Each of the plurality of second node identities comprises a second verification key of a public-key signature scheme. The distributed network is configured to perform a consensus protocol with a subset of the plurality of second node identities. Further aspects of the invention relate to a corresponding computer-implemented method, a network node and a computer program product.

Abstract: Block chain mining methods and apparatus. A mid-state generator develops a plurality, n, of mid-states by selectively varying a portion of the block, and, in particular, the block header. A single message expander develops a message schedule by expanding a message in accordance with a predetermined expansion function; and the message schedule is shared with a plurality, n, of compressors, each developing a result as a function of the message schedule and a respective one of the n unique mid-states in accordance with a predetermined compression function. The compressors can be either rolled core or pipelined core.

Abstract: Block chain mining methods and apparatus. A mid-state generator develops a plurality, n, of mid-states by selectively varying a portion of the block, and, in particular, the block header. A single message expander develops a message schedule by expanding a message in accordance with a predetermined expansion function; and the message schedule is shared with a plurality, n, of compressors, each developing a result as a function of the message schedule and a respective one of the n unique mid-states in accordance with a predetermined compression function. The compressors can be either rolled core or pipelined core.