Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has long been recognized as a pioneer in large-block blockchain design. With block sizes expanded up to 32MB, BCH enables faster and cheaper transactions at scale. However, larger blocks introduce a critical challenge: block propagation speed. As block size increases, so does the time required to transmit them across the network—posing technical demands on full nodes and miners, especially those operating with limited bandwidth or hardware.
This delay not only affects mining efficiency but also increases the risk of orphaned blocks and network fragmentation. To maintain decentralization and performance, the BCH community has continuously explored innovative solutions. Among the latest advancements, Blockchain Distribution Networks (BDN) have emerged as a game-changing technology for accelerating block propagation.
The Challenge of Large-Block Propagation
When a miner discovers a new block, it must be quickly shared across the global network. In a large-block environment like BCH, this process becomes increasingly complex:
- Larger data payloads require more bandwidth.
- Home-based full node operators may struggle to keep up.
- Delays increase the likelihood of competing blocks and chain splits.
These issues threaten network stability and miner profitability—especially for operations in regions with slower internet infrastructure.
To address this, developers have long pursued compression and optimization techniques that reduce the amount of data transmitted without sacrificing security or integrity.
Past Solutions: From Compact Blocks to Xthinner
The journey toward efficient block propagation began years ago with several key innovations:
🔹 Compact Blocks
Introduced by Bitcoin Core, compact blocks minimize data by sending only transaction IDs (short hashes) and relying on nodes to reconstruct the full block from their mempool.
🔹 Xthin Blocks
Developed by Bitcoin Unlimited, Xthin uses a pre-shared transaction index to send only minimal identifiers, drastically reducing bandwidth usage.
🔹 Graphene
An evolution of Xthin, Graphene leverages Bloom filters and invertible Bloom lookup tables (IBLTs) to achieve even higher compression rates.
🔹 Xthinner
Created by BCH developer Jonathan Toomim, Xthinner takes compression further by optimizing for low-latency networks and high-throughput scenarios. In April 2025, Toomim announced on Reddit that thanks to CTOR (Canonical Transaction Ordering Rule), Xthinner is now fully compatible with the BCH mainnet.
"In testing, the best-performing block achieved 99.54% compression using Xthinner," Toomim reported—an impressive leap in efficiency.
While these protocols significantly improve propagation, they still rely on traditional peer-to-peer internet routing, which can be unpredictable and slow.
👉 Discover how next-gen networks are redefining blockchain speed and reliability.
A New Era: Introducing BDN – Blockchain Distribution Network
Now, a more radical solution has entered the scene: BDN (Blockchain Distribution Network), developed by bloXroute, a Chicago-based tech firm specializing in blockchain infrastructure.
Unlike protocol-level optimizations like Xthinner, BDN operates at the network layer, using a globally distributed, high-speed private backbone to relay blocks faster than public internet routes allow.
How BDN Works
BDN functions as a high-performance overlay network:
- Blocks are sent from miners to BDN’s nearest gateway.
- The BDN backbone transmits the block via optimized fiber routes.
- Gateways rebroadcast the block to local nodes and miners.
This bypasses congested public internet paths and reduces latency dramatically.
Real-World Results: BDN Testing on BCH
Over a two-month period, bloXroute conducted extensive tests on the BCH testnet, collaborating with major mining pools including:
- BTC.com
- F2Pool
- Rawpool
- Great North Data
The results were striking:
| Scenario | Propagation Time |
|---|---|
| 32MB Block via BDN | 2–18 seconds |
| 32MB Block via Public Internet | 193 seconds |
That’s a 10x improvement in block delivery speed.
For individual nodes, the impact is even more dramatic. One full node in Beijing previously took 17,151 seconds (nearly 5 hours) to process a large block. With BDN support, processing time dropped to just 37 seconds—a reduction of over 99.7%.
Additionally, BDN improved recovery speed during chain reorganizations by rapidly resynchronizing missing transactions in compact blocks.
Benefits Beyond Speed
BDN doesn’t just make blocks move faster—it enhances the entire ecosystem:
✅ Reduced Bandwidth Requirements
Smaller effective data transfer lowers costs for node operators.
✅ Lower Orphan Rates
Faster propagation means fewer competing blocks and more consistent chain growth.
✅ Improved Miner Efficiency
Miners receive blocks sooner, allowing them to start working on the next block immediately—maximizing revenue.
✅ Support for Scalability
With BDN, BCH can sustain larger blocks without sacrificing decentralization or performance—paving the way for mass adoption.
Eyal Markovich, CEO of bloXroute, stated:
“BDN can scale blockchains to handle over 1,000 transactions per second—without changing consensus rules.”
This makes BDN a powerful tool for any blockchain aiming to grow sustainably.
What’s Next for BDN?
Following successful trials on BCH’s testnet, bloXroute plans to:
- Launch BDN on the BCH mainnet.
- Extend testing to the Ethereum network later this month.
- Expand integration with other major blockchains.
The involvement of top-tier mining pools signals strong industry confidence in BDN’s potential.
👉 See how cutting-edge infrastructure is shaping the future of decentralized networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is BDN a centralized system? Doesn’t that threaten decentralization?
A: While BDN uses a centralized infrastructure for speed, it does not control or validate transactions. It acts purely as a transmission layer—like a content delivery network (CDN) for blockchain data. Nodes still verify all blocks independently, preserving security and decentralization.
Q: Can BDN be used with other cryptocurrencies besides BCH?
A: Yes. BDN is blockchain-agnostic and already being tested on Ethereum. It can technically support any blockchain that faces propagation delays due to large blocks or high throughput.
Q: Does using BDN require special hardware or software?
A: No. Miners and nodes connect via lightweight gateways provided by bloXroute. Integration is designed to be seamless and non-disruptive.
Q: How does BDN differ from Xthinner or compact blocks?
A: Xthinner and compact blocks reduce data size through compression algorithms. BDN improves delivery speed through optimized network routing. They’re complementary—using both together yields maximum performance.
Q: Will BDN increase transaction fees or create paywalls?
A: bloXroute offers tiered access models, but core functionality remains accessible to ensure fair participation. The goal is to enhance network health, not restrict access.
The Road Ahead for BCH and Blockchain Scaling
With tools like Xthinner, CTOR, and now BDN, Bitcoin Cash continues to lead in practical scalability innovation. These technologies work together to solve real-world bottlenecks—making large-block blockchains not just feasible, but efficient and resilient.
As global demand for fast, low-cost transactions grows, solutions that optimize both protocol and network infrastructure will become essential.
BDN represents a pivotal step forward—not just for BCH, but for the entire blockchain ecosystem. By decoupling data transmission speed from physical internet limitations, it opens the door to truly scalable decentralized networks.
Whether you're a miner, developer, or everyday user, faster block propagation means a smoother, more reliable experience—and lower costs for everyone.
👉 Explore how next-generation blockchain infrastructure is unlocking new possibilities in 2025.
Core Keywords:
Bitcoin Cash (BCH), BDN (Blockchain Distribution Network), block propagation, large block scalability, Xthinner, bloXroute, CTOR, mining efficiency