Understanding double mixing in Ethereum

Calculation of the Ethereum control sum is a key element of its cryptographic mechanisms. In this article we will delve into why double mixing is necessary and what it achieves.

What is SHA256?

SHA-256 (Secure handh algorithm 256) is a cryptographic abbreviation function that produces a fixed abbreviation value based on input data. It is widely used to verify data integrity and authenticity. Think about how the digital fingerprint: each input data has a unique output, and if the same input is again expected, you will receive the same result.

How does the Ethereum control sum work?

Calculation of the Ethereum control sum includes two SHA-256 abbreviations:

• SHA256 (Prefix+Data): This first shortcut uses the prefix (fixed value) as an additional input to the SHA-256 algorithm.

• The second abbreviation, also produced by the SHA-256, is then attached to the original data (Prefix+date).

The two abbreviations resulting are connected and used to calculate the control sum.

Why do we need double mixing?

Let’s deal now why Ethereum uses double mixing:

• Data integrity

  : Double mixing ensures that the same input gives a different output (or shortcut value). This is crucial in cryptographic applications in which data integrity is the most important.

• COLUTION Prevention : The collision occurs when two different input data produce the same value of the output shortcut. Double mixing helps to prevent this by forcing the algorithm to generate a new abbreviation value from the already laughing input.

Why do we need two SHA-256 shortcuts?

The second shortcut SHA-256 (combined with original data) serves as an additional safety layer. Magic happens here:

• The first shortcut SHA-256 uses the prefix, which has been changed (i.e. attached with original data).

• CONTACTING Both shortcuts, Ethereum ensures that the collision between two different inputs gives a different initial value.

• If a collision took place, the resulting shortcut values ​​would be significantly different, which hinders the attacker to use this weakness.

Application

Double mixing in Ethereum is not only an unnecessary operation; This is a key element of its cryptographic mechanisms. By using two SHA-256 abbreviations, Ethereum provides data integrity and prevents collisions, which makes it a safer platform. This double mixing process also allows the use of RipEMD160 (non -cryptographic abbreviations) as an additional safety layer for some applications.

In the context of your original question:

The reason we need double mixing when using RipemD160 is to prevent collisions between different input values. CONCERATING Both shortcuts, Ethereum ensures that the collision will bring a significantly different initial value, which hinders the attackers to the use of this weakness.

Ethereum Using