Level: MA 
Responsible Person: Yu Gao
Keywords: DLT P2P network, Peer protocol, data collection

The peer-to-peer (P2P) network is essential for maintaining consensus in decentralized ledger technology (DLT) systems. Different platforms use various consensus methods and network protocols. While research often focuses on financial aspects, studying peer connection mechanisms and network topologies is important, as they affect system robustness and security. The Dogecoin platform initially launched as a satirical cryptocurrency aimed at poking fun at Bitcoin. However, it still managed to achieve notable success. As a derivative of the Bitcoin Blockchain, Dogecoin uses the same peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol as Bitcoin. Compared to Bitcoin, Dogecoin operates on a smaller P2P network, making it easier to detect and analyze. The protocol allows users to query nodes within the network via TCP flow using the ‘getaddr’ message to retrieve a ‘peer_list.’ After data collection, the connections between peers can be inferred, enabling an analysis of the network topology and the generation of a peer-to-peer network model. 

References: 

• https://github.com/dogecoin/dogecoin/blob/master/src/addrman.cpp 
• https://blockchair.com/dogecoin/nodes