Blockchain-Based Decentralized Domain Name System

Authors: Thomas, Peter, Alma, Amuru, Edward, Osman
Original source: arXiv:2508.05655

Overview​

Phi Lab Foundation designed a purpose-built Proof-of-Work blockchain to deliver a censorship-resistant domain name system. The network integrates IPFS storage, cryptographic trust chains, and intelligent caching so domain updates propagate in roughly 15 seconds while remaining verifiable end-to-end.

The goal is simple: make decentralized DNS feel as fast and effortless as traditional DNS, without surrendering control to centralized actors.

Key Highlights​

• Nodes distribute 20+ canonical DNS record types, preventing classical poisoning and hijacking attacks.
• "Never Trust, Always Verify" signatures provide zero-trust validation from registration to resolution.
• Field deployments in San Jose, Los Angeles, and Orange County confirm the architecture runs reliably on real infrastructure.
• Risk matrix, governance, and public-policy guardrails bake in abuse mitigation from day one.

Performance Snapshot​

• Max theoretical throughput: 1,111 tx/s for minimal transactions, 266 tx/s for standard operations.
• Query latency: Sub-second resolution thanks to layered caching and smart routing.
• Propagation time: Domain records reach the network in ~15 seconds.

Visual Insight​

The architecture diagram illustrates how registration, verification, and resolution flow across miners, validators, and IPFS storage.