Tail removal block validation: Implementation and analysis

Abstract

In this paper a solution for the removal of long tail blocktimes in a proof-of-work blockchain is proposed, implemented and analysed. Results from the mainnet of the Bismuth blockchain demonstrate that the variances in the key variables, difficulty level and blocktime, were more than halved after the tail removal code was enabled. Low variances in difficulty and blocktimes are desirable for timely execution of transactions in the network as well as reduction of unwanted oscillations in the feedback control problem.