We are excited to announce the publication of our latest white paper, ABEL’s Difficulty Smoothing Algorithm (DSA). This comprehensive document details a significant upgrade to the Abelian network’s difficulty adjustment mechanism, addressing previous challenges and enhancing overall network stability.

Read the full white paper here.

Background

Since its launch, the Abelian network has used a Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism. Our original difficulty adjustment algorithm operated on a 4000-block cycle, aiming for an average block time of 256 seconds. However, this approach led to significant hash rate fluctuations as miners optimized their profitability by switching between Abelian and other GPU-minable cryptocurrencies.

The Need for Change

These fluctuations resulted in several challenges:

1. Drastic variations in hash rates and block times between adjustment periods
2. Potential synchronization issues during high miner influx periods
3. Reduced network usability during periods of miner exodus

To address these issues, our team developed the Difficulty Smoothing Algorithm (DSA).

Key Features of DSA

1. More Frequent Adjustments: DSA adjusts difficulty every 200 blocks (approximately every 14 hours) instead of every 4000 blocks (12 days).
2. Weighted Average Calculation: The algorithm uses a weighted average of the last 20 slots, giving priority to more recent data.
3. Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment: DSA increases difficulty if the weighted average block time is less than 256 seconds and decreases it if it’s over 256 seconds.

Benefits of DSA

• Enhanced Responsiveness: The new algorithm adapts more quickly to hash rate fluctuations.
• Improved Stability: Simulations and real-world implementation have shown that DSA helps block times converge and stabilize around the 256-second target.
• Better User Experience: More consistent block times lead to more predictable transaction processing times.

Implementation and Results

DSA was implemented at block height 284000, requiring users to upgrade to compatible software versions. Since its implementation, we’ve observed:

• Quick convergence of block times to the 256-second target
• Significantly reduced block time fluctuations, with observed times ranging between 166–334 seconds

DSA is our contribution to the Proof of Work Blockchain community. As shown on MaxPool, there are more and more blocks being mined. The more miners join a pool, the higher chance the pool will be on mining blocks. You can experience the super stable DSA yourself at maxpool.org.

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