Introducing Dlsim: A Configurable Blockchain Simulator for the Analysis of Blockchain Platforms

Abstract

This study addresses the need for a more detailed simulation environment to analyze blockchain platforms under various conditions by proposing DLSim, a configurable blockchain simulator. DLSim simulates Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and Slimcoin transactions and consensus algorithms, enabling experimentation and analysis under controlled conditions. The research questions driving this study are: (1) How can a configurable blockchain simulator be designed to accurately reflect the essential properties of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and Slimcoin? and (2) How do these platforms compare in terms of performance within the controlled environment of DLSim? By validating DLSim’s models against real-world counterparts and conducting an empirical comparative analysis, this research bridges the gap between conceptual analyses and practical applications, ensuring a robust and durable approach to blockchain development. The results from this study showed that DLSim is a reliable blockchain simulator as it met the benchmark for performance of the actual blockchain platforms. The comparative analysis conducted with DLSim confirmed the findings in literature, showing that Hyperledger Fabric outperforms the other three platforms, with a higher throughput, lower latency, and shorter block time. This study addresses the need for a simulator that models Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric and Slimcoin, facilitating an understanding of their intricacies.