Performance and Scalability of Emerging Blockchain Technologies

Abstract: In this study blockchain performance and scalability is evaluated using an existing framework. The framework has previously seen use when comparing performance on blockchains employing the proof of work consensus protocol. However, this study aims to apply the framework on the proof of stake blockchain Cardano to evaluate and highlight differences in performance between the two protocols. This is done by comparing it with the Ethereum blockchain, which uses a proof of work protocol. The framework is applied on data collected by monitoring transactions on a Cardano node. The results show that some data vital to certain metrics is absent when using the proposed framework, and thus these metrics are not applicable for the Cardano blockchain. In spite of these limitations, the data points available still enable comparisons. Furthermore, the framework is expanded with additional metrics of interest when gauging both performance and scalability. The evaluation shows moderate improvements in performance when proof of stake is the governing consensus protocol. Conclusively it is suggested that the framework is maintained and iterated upon. This promotes convergence towards a standardized performance framework that facilitates productive comparison and improvement.