Re:Bitcoin and the Byzantine Generals Problem
by tomp on Monday December 16, 2013 @10:29AM
(#6915258)
Right, but the assumptions of the BG problem are also a bit harsh for the real world; network exhibits latency and/or splits, which are followed by joins. If two servers cannot communicate (ever again), then you have bigger problems than simply "synchronizing attacks". For the usual problems of varying latency and some dropped messages, the proof-of-work, coupled with a cryptographic authentication, will suffice for eventual consistency.
That's the thing about BG; you can keep increasing the chances, but if your requirement is that you must be certain that all the other generals will attack, and at the same time, then we know of no solution. We also have more than one good proof that this is impossible.