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Data lifecycle questions, not only for Blockchains
In any data-centric applications, understanding the data lifecycle (also as part of the product lifecycle) is important, especially when trust or traceability are also goals. If Blockchain should play a role, then the requirements associated with the data lifecycle can even become a decisive factor: Either adapt the data model or the processes, or, if…
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Solana Blockchain: Proof of History analogies
Here are some attempts to compare Proof of History (PoH), as used by the Solana blockchain, with Proof of Work (PoW). Comparisons to real-world activities, such as dice rolling or outer-space rubber-stamp throwing are also included.
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Network Time Security: NTS articles overview
NTP, the Network Time Protocol, is the way most computers and mobile devices obtain their time through. NTS (Network Time Security) is to NTP what HTTPS is to HTTP. It also is as easy to upgrade as upgrading to HTTPS is these days: No effort for the client, just adding a certificate for the server.…
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Debugging NTS problems
Debugging is hard, debugging security protocols doubly so. And there are not many tools and how-to’s availabe for NTS yet. So, here’s a (short) list of NTS problems I have seen and some tricks for debugging them.
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NTS and dynamic IP addresses
Good news is that NTS relies on DNS names, no longer “naked” IP addresses. But what happens when the DNS name changes, pointing to a different IP address? A look at the protocol, the Chrony source, and the implications.
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Configuring an NTS-capable NTP server
The choice of Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers supporting NTS is still very limited. Here is some advice to get it to run smooth and trustworty.
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Array Thickening: More can be less
When turning flexible file formats into data structures, the consensus seems to be to avoid using arrays whenever possible. However, more arrays may reduce code and coding errors. A plea against the extinction of arrays.