The Blockchain Trilemma: an Evaluation Framework

Bitcoin and Ethereum, respectively the first and the second generations of blockchains, exhibit two main problems, mostly connected to the increase of network traffic and load onto their respective networking and service models: scalability and interoperability. To solve these issues, several technologies have been introduced—thus paving the way to the so-called third-generation blockchains—which are divided into three main categories: (1) Layer 1 solutions, (2) rollups, and (3) side-chains. We present a validated framework for the evaluation and comparison of these categories, based on the three main non-functional aspects—reflecting therefore a trilemma—that discriminate their use for the design and orchestration of complex blockchain-oriented service applications, namely: scalability, decentralization, and security.