JABS: A Blockchain Simulator for Researching Consensus Algorithms

The consensus algorithm is fundamental to the decentralization property of blockchain technology. Developing blockchain networks and consensus algorithms necessitates the analysis of variables on large global-scale networks through experiments. However, conducting experiments on test networks is expensive due to the high cost of necessary infrastructure. In this article, JABS (Just Another Blockchain Simulator), a simulator specifically designed for researching large-scale blockchain consensus algorithms, is introduced. Superior performance in simulating real-world scale blockchain networks compared to other frameworks is demonstrated in this article. JABS is faster, more efficient, and produces accurate results that are comparable to measurements from Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchain networks. JABS' modularity, which allows for the easy substitution of components without changing others, is highlighted. Additionally, JABS aids in the design and evaluation of new consensus algorithms. Improving the CasperFFG consensus algorithm is proposed and its improved performance using JABS is demonstrated.