The concept of network in blockchain is not simply a physical connection between computers through cables or radio waves. In fact, it represents a complex ecosystem that includes peer-to-peer communication protocols, distributed consensus mechanisms, and sophisticated cryptographic security layers. This network serves as the backbone that allows data to be stored as an immutable digital ledger, where every transaction is recorded transparently without the presence of intermediary entities. To help businesses and Tan Phat Digital grasp the Web3 infrastructure, this analysis will dissect the architectural layers from the physical layer to the application layer, and consider its evolution through modern technology roadmaps.
What is a network in blockchain? Basic nature and architecture
The blockchain network operates based on a peer-to-peer model (Peer-to-Peer - P2P), a distributed architecture where every participant (node) has equal rights and obligations in maintaining data integrity. Unlike the traditional Client-Server model where data is centralized at a single server, blockchain distributes copies of the ledger to all participating nodes, creating a system that is highly fault-tolerant and resistant to any attempt to unilaterally change data.
The formation of a blockchain network begins with the establishment of rules that allow nodes to interact with each other. Each node in the network not only stores data but also participates in the process of validating new blocks through complex mathematical formulas. The most prominent characteristic is immutability: once data has been added to the blockchain, it cannot be deleted or modified without the consensus of the network majority. This is because any change in one block invalidates all subsequent blocks due to the tight connection through the cryptographic hash function.
Analyzing the OSI model in the context of a Blockchain network
To gain a deeper understanding of how the network operates, we can reflect on the 7-layer OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model. Instead of a rigid table, Tan Phat Digital presents this layering as a data flow:
Layer 7 (Application): This is where users interact directly through the wallet interface, smart contracts (smart contracts) and decentralized applications (DApps). Typical protocols here are HTTP and JSON-RPC.
Layer 6 (Presentation - Presentation): Responsible for data encoding, file formatting, and transaction data compression to ensure uniformity. Popular protocols include RLP and Protobuf.
Layer 5 (Session): Maintains and manages sessions between peers (peer nodes) in the network, using protocols such as RLPx or Libp2p.
Layer 4 (Transport): Ensures data transmission between nodes is error-free and in the right order, mainly based on TCP and UDP.
Layer 3 (Network): Performs packet routing and IP addressing via IPv4, IPv6 or BGP so that nodes find each other on the global Internet.
Layer 2 (Data Link): Transmits data frames between directly connected devices such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Layer 1 (Physical):The actual physical transmission infrastructure such as fiber optic cables (Fiber) or 5G waves, where data bits are converted into electronic signals or light.
While the traditional Internet relies on central routers, blockchain networks use P2P protocols like Kademlia to build a decentralized network map, allowing allows each node to find other nodes on its own without the need for a central directory.
P2P protocol and node discovery mechanism (Node Discovery)
A blockchain network only exists when nodes are able to find and connect to each other through a node discovery mechanism, often based on a Distributed Hash Table (DHT).
Kademlia algorithm and XOR distance
Kademlia is the most popular DHT protocol, defining a network structure based on "logical distance". The distance between two nodes in Kademlia is not a geographical location but is calculated by XOR (exclusive or) operation between two node IDs:
Each node maintains a list of neighboring nodes in "k-buckets". When a node needs to search for data, it queries the nodes whose IDs are closest to the target according to a recursive algorithm, reducing the search complexity to just $O(\log n)$.
DevP2P and RLPx Protocols in Ethereum
Ethereum uses the DevP2P protocol stack to operate the "world computer". RLPx is a TCP-based transport protocol designed to establish secure connections. In 2025-2026, as blockchain forks increase, versions like eth/68 play a key role in optimizing bandwidth and ensuring nodes only connect to peers with the same appropriate network version.
Consensus: The heartbeat of a distributed system
Consensus ensures all nodes agree on a single version of the blockchain true.
Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT): This is a security foundation that allows the network to function correctly even in the presence of malicious nodes. A BFT system can remain secure if the number of failed nodes $f$ satisfies the condition f < (n/3)
Pipelining: Instead of waiting for the current block to complete, Pipelining allows the consensus stages of multiple blocks to occur in parallel, significantly increasing throughput.
Overlapping: Allows propagation Blocking and vote collection take place concurrently with transaction processing. Studies on AuditChain-PO show that this combination can maintain a throughput of 2,000 transactions/second with extremely low latency of 0.1 seconds.
Classification of Blockchain network models
Based on access and concentration level, Tan Phat Digital classifies networks as follows:
Public Blockchain: Unlimited participation, completely decentralized (like Bitcoin, Ethereum). The advantage is absolute transparency, but the speed is often slow due to the wide scale of consensus.
Private Blockchain: Access is controlled by a single unit (like Ripple or Hyperledger Fabric within the enterprise). Very fast processing speed but low decentralization.
Consortium Blockchain: Managed by a group of organizations (like the global transportation network). This is a model that balances speed and collective transparency.
Hybrid Blockchain: Combines privacy for internal data and openness for authentication. FPT's akaChain is a typical example of this model in Vietnam.
Development Roadmap 2025-2026: Ethereum and Vietnam Vision
Upgrading Fusaka (2025) and Hegota (2026)
Ethereum is leading the roadmap to "lighten" the network. The Fusaka upgrade (late 2025) introduces PeerDAS (EIP-7594), allowing nodes to simply sample a portion of data instead of loading the entire block. Next, Hegota (2026) will implement Verkle Trees, a new data structure that helps create "stateless clients". This allows mobile phones to also operate the node because storage requirements will be reduced from Terabytes to a minimum.
Vietnam National Blockchain Strategy
Tan Phat Digital commented that efforts to master core technology under Decision 1236/QD-TTg are creating major milestones:
NDAChain: National blockchain platform serving data authentication with 49 validator nodes from large corporations such as Masan, Zalo, MISA.
VBSN (Vietnam Blockchain Network): By the end of 2025, 6 Layer 1 platforms have been developed with processing speeds of up to 300,000 transactions/second.
akaChain and U2U Network: The pride of "Make in Vietnam". akaChain helps reduce bank bad debt rates through transparent eKYC, while U2U Network has reached international level when listed on Kraken (USA).
Converging trend: Blockchain, AI and RWA
In 2026, the blockchain network will no longer stand alone but strongly converge with AI and Real Assets (RWA):
Verifiable AI (Verifiable AI): Blockchain provides cryptographic proof (like ZK-Inference) to prove AI results are correct without revealing sensitive data.
Tokenization of RWA: Giving bonds, Gold and real estate go up the chain through identity layers and reliable Oracle. This helps increase liquidity and reduce operating costs for financial institutions.
The blockchain network is evolving from a mere storage structure to a global trust operating system. From technical upgrades like PeerDAS to ambitious national strategies in Vietnam, Web3 infrastructure is becoming more ready than ever for mass adoption. Tan Phat Digital is committed to accompanying businesses in understanding and implementing pioneering blockchain solutions, turning technology into a sustainable competitive advantage in the digital era of 2026.
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