Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel reconfiguration framework for a BFT SMR system. With this framework, the configuration of both the system itself and the clients of the system can be modified in a live manner (i.e., without taking the system offline) while preserving correct system operation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a first replica sends a message to second replicas for pre-processing of an operation. The first replica receives pre-processing results from the second replicas. A pre-processing result is generated by pre-processing the operation using a first state. The first replica analyzes the pre-processing results to determine whether an agreement on a validated pre-processing result is received. When it is determined the agreement on the validated pre-processing result is received, the first replica performs a consensus protocol stage with the second replicas to order the request in an order of execution of requests that defines when to execute the request with respect to another request at the second replicas. Information for the validated pre-processing result is provided to the set of second replicas to determine whether contention results between the first state and a second state that is based on the order of execution of requests.