BNB Chain, a leading global Layer1 blockchain ecosystem, has released a new research report aimed at assessing how the BNB Smart Chain can migrate its core cryptographic system to post-quantum (quantum-resistant) alternatives in the future. The report explores the specific implementation paths and performance impacts of replacing traditional blockchain cryptography with quantum-resistant methods, including adopting ML-DSA-44 as a transaction signature scheme and using pqSTARK for aggregating validator consensus signatures.
Although quantum computing has not yet been able to practically break the cryptography of production-level blockchains in real-world systems, this research reflects a forward-looking approach to infrastructure resilience and long-term network security. The report evaluates several core areas of the BSC technology stack, including:
· Post-quantum transaction signature schemes
· Validator signature aggregation
· Transaction verification process
· Public key storage schemes
· Cross-regional network performance under increased data load
One of the key findings is that, technically, achieving post-quantum readiness is currently feasible, but it requires significant trade-offs in scalability. Test data shows:
· Transaction size increased from approximately 110 bytes to about 2.5 kilobytes
· Block size increased from approximately 110 kilobytes to about 2 megabytes
· Native transfer TPS decreased from 4,973 to 2,997
The report points out that the main performance bottleneck is not the signature verification itself, but rather the increased overhead in cross-regional network transmission caused by the larger transaction and block sizes.
Meanwhile, pqSTARK aggregation technology has proven to remain efficient. Validator signatures were compressed at a ratio of approximately 43:1, which helps keep consensus layer overhead manageable despite increased signature sizes.
The report also notes that post-quantum alternatives for several areas, including P2P handshakes and KZG commitments, were not covered in this evaluation. Migrating these areas requires broader ecosystem coordination and further research.
BNB Chain emphasizes that this work is intended as a research and evaluation exploration, not a response to any imminent security threats. The full report can be accessed by clicking here.
About BNB Chain
BNB Chain is one of the world's largest and most active blockchain ecosystems, supported by a global community of developers and users. With high throughput, low transaction costs, and full compatibility with EVM, BNB Chain provides scalable application support for finance, gaming, and the broader Web3 economy.
