Towards Connected Blockchains: An In-Depth Analysis and Improvement of Cross-Chain Communication Protocols

Blockchain is a transformative technology that enables the creation of databases that are decentralized, transparent and immutable. As a result, blockchains are seen as a promising way to address challenges in areas such as record keeping, product provenance tracking, identity management and finance. However, due to their design, different blockchain systems are unable to communicate directly, significantly limiting their use. My thesis investigates the problem of transferring information between different blockchains. It presents a comprehensive evaluation of existing approaches, their applications and design limitations. Furthermore, it proposes strategies to improve existing systems and provides a foundation for future research.