Performance Analysis of a BESU Permissioned Blockchain

We present a set of tests on a real permissioned blockchain where nodes are maintained by different independent public organizations in various geographic sites. Such configuration sets up real working conditions where a permissioned blockchain is not ruled and run by a single entity. Used platform is Ethereum-Hyperledger BESU implemented through docker technology. We compared standard “Caliper” tests against more detailed and customizable tests executed by launching different transactions to stimulate the answer of the entire network under typical working conditions. Results show that, unexpectedly, not all blockchain nodes work equivalently: under certain conditions, only some nodes contribute to validate transactions and to include them into blocks, while others only append empty blocks to the ledger. This work has a twofold purpose. First, behind the analysis of the specific permissioned blockchain, the aim is to investigate and detect general issues and pitfalls related to this kind of blockchain. Second, providing and improving a tool that can be customized for performance analysis.