Archival Network

The Noncesense Archival Network (formerly known as the Monero Archival Project) runs blockchain daemons with custom software extensions that provide standard public blockchain service with the extra capability to capture orphaned blocks, node-centric metadata, and other usually discarded phenomena. Our nodes are deployed globally to capture a broader view of the network and enable representative analyses.

We are currently observing the Monero and Loki blockchains. Contact us if you are interested in expansion.

Mining Phenomena

Analyses of alternative chains and reorganization events, combined with node receipt timestamp metadata, enables detection of various mining phenomena. For example, we observed probable selfish/stubborn mining on the Monero blockchain, and curious Merlin blocks with timestamps preceding their parent.

Nonces

For a supposedly useless number, nonces contain a surprising degree of narrative. Noncesense Research Lab revealed signatures of multiple unique nonce search strategies being used in current mining operations for Monero, Loki, and Aeon. On multiple occasions, nonce trends have been connected with specialized mining equipment (ASICs).

Protocol Improvements

We discovered weaknesses in CryptoNote's dynamic block size algorithm (Big Bang Attack) and are exploring fresh approaches for a long-term solution. We also provide data to inform consensus rules to eliminate non-fungible transactions.

Network Topology

The peer-to-peer networks enabling decentralized consensus systems are complex organisms whose topology, connectivity, and latency significantly impact message propagation times and routes. The study of node variability and volatility characteristics over multiple timescales can inform connection best practices, such as active defensive measures.