Blockchain consensus in a box: blockchain consensus visualization using Raspberry Pi's

‍Project Overview

This project will create a system using Raspberry Pi devices to visualise blockchain consensus by running private versions of popular blockchain protocols. The Raspberry Pi nodes will simulate real-world conditions like high communication latency, crucial for understanding blockchain security. The main objectives are to develop a hardware prototype, create educational use cases, and provide hands-on exercises for university courses, summer schools, and hackathons. The system will give students practical experience in blockchain technology, supporting their projects and theses, while also making blockchain concepts accessible to non-technical students through applications like non-fungible tokens.

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Abstract

This project proposes to develop a system for visualising blockchain consensus using Raspberry Pi devices—compact, credit card-sized computers equipped with screens that act as fully functional blockchain validation and mining nodes. By running a private version of popular blockchain protocols, these nodes will demonstrate the interaction of multiple blockchain systems in a classroom setting. The system will also simulate real-world conditions, such as high communication latency, which can degrade consensus mechanisms—a critical factor in blockchain security. This educational tool will provide an interactive way to explore blockchain concepts and their practical implications in a controlled environment.

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Background

The concept for this project originated within the BDLT group, driven by the need to create hands-on educational materials for the Blockchain Programming (BP) course at the University of Zurich, offered during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 semesters. Building on these foundational materials, the initiative expanded to other settings, including the Deep Dive Into Blockchain summer school, co-organised by the BDLT group and the UZH Blockchain Center in 2022 and 2023. A prototype using Raspberry Pi to demonstrate blockchain consensus degradation was first presented in a demo paper at the 2022 IEEE International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. The ongoing development of a Raspberry Pi prototype for visualising Ethereum consensus will be featured at the Scientifica science fair in Zurich in September 2023. This project reflects the team’s expertise and commitment to advancing blockchain education through innovative approaches, and further funding would support the continuation and enhancement of these efforts.

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Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to develop a hardware prototype of a fully functional blockchain network using Raspberry Pi computers, supported by accompanying software and documentation. This system will provide students with practical, hands-on experience in contemporary blockchain systems, simulating real-world environments. The project aims to create a private blockchain network prototype, develop educational use cases to illustrate fundamental blockchain concepts, and deliver hands-on exercises across various educational settings, including university courses, summer schools, and hackathons. The prototype will cater to both technical and non-technical students, offering tailored materials that explain blockchain concepts through practical demonstrations. The ultimate goal is to empower students to apply their knowledge to their own projects, encouraging self-guided learning and collaboration in real-world problem-solving using blockchain technology.

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Expected Outcomes and Impact

The expected outcomes of this project include the release of custom blockchain client software under an open-source license, accompanied by detailed documentation for easy integration into various educational settings. The hands-on exercises will be adaptable for different course formats, ranging from full-semester courses to short workshops, and tailored for both technical and non-technical audiences. Student involvement through projects and theses will provide valuable feedback, guiding future development of teaching materials and ensuring ease of use. The Raspberry Pi prototype will enable engaging public demonstrations of blockchain fundamentals, raising awareness of topics such as decentralization and security. Additionally, the project holds potential for industry collaboration, particularly with blockchain platforms like Ethereum and IOTA, by demonstrating real-world applications that could lead to future partnerships.

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Ecosystem Development 

This project aims to develop a practical educational tool using Raspberry Pi devices to simulate blockchain networks and consensus mechanisms. By creating a fully functional blockchain prototype, it will provide hands-on experience for students across various fields, including computer science, business, and the arts. The prototype will be used in university courses, summer schools, and hackathons to teach blockchain fundamentals like consensus and security. Released as open-source, the system can be integrated into other teaching environments, supporting real-world projects and research, while helping to build a skilled blockchain ecosystem.

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Methodology & Implementation

To achieve the goal of developing a Raspberry Pi blockchain prototype (O1), the project will create a private blockchain network on Raspberry Pi devices with custom client and server software for easy node deployment and management. Automated scripts will aid installation, enabling students to perform tasks such as mining and asset exchange. A web app may be developed for client customization, and documentation will ensure easy use. Educational use cases (O2) will simulate blockchain consensus degradation by introducing artificial latency between Raspberry Pi nodes. Hands-on exercises (O3) will be integrated into the Blockchain Programming course, summer school, and hackathons, focusing on core blockchain tasks and concepts like consensus and security.

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Conclusion 

In conclusion, this project will develop a Raspberry Pi-based system to visualise and simulate blockchain consensus, providing an accessible, hands-on learning tool for students in various educational settings. By creating a fully functional private blockchain network, the system will allow users to explore key blockchain concepts such as consensus mechanisms and security in real-world conditions. The Raspberry Pi prototype will be adaptable for use in university courses, summer schools, and hackathons, offering practical experience for both technical and non-technical students. With open-source software and detailed documentation, this project aims to foster a deeper understanding of blockchain technology and contribute to building a skilled, knowledgeable ecosystem for future blockchain development.

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