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Main Authors: Mohan, Vijay, Khezr, Peyman
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.19077
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author Mohan, Vijay
Khezr, Peyman
author_facet Mohan, Vijay
Khezr, Peyman
contents In this paper, we take a close look at a problem labeled maximal extractable value (MEV), which arises in a blockchain due to the ability of a block producer to manipulate the order of transactions within a block. Indeed, blockchains such as Ethereum have spent considerable resources addressing this issue and have redesigned the block production process to account for MEV. This paper provides an overview of the MEV problem and tracks how Ethereum has adapted to its presence. A vital aspect of the block building exercise is that it is a variant of the knapsack problem. Consequently, this paper highlights the role of designing auctions to fill a knapsack--or knapsack auctions--in alleviating the MEV problem. Overall, this paper presents a survey of the main issues and an accessible primer for researchers and students wishing to explore the economics of block building and MEV further.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2403_19077
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Blockchains, MEV and the knapsack problem: a primer
Mohan, Vijay
Khezr, Peyman
General Economics
Economics
In this paper, we take a close look at a problem labeled maximal extractable value (MEV), which arises in a blockchain due to the ability of a block producer to manipulate the order of transactions within a block. Indeed, blockchains such as Ethereum have spent considerable resources addressing this issue and have redesigned the block production process to account for MEV. This paper provides an overview of the MEV problem and tracks how Ethereum has adapted to its presence. A vital aspect of the block building exercise is that it is a variant of the knapsack problem. Consequently, this paper highlights the role of designing auctions to fill a knapsack--or knapsack auctions--in alleviating the MEV problem. Overall, this paper presents a survey of the main issues and an accessible primer for researchers and students wishing to explore the economics of block building and MEV further.
title Blockchains, MEV and the knapsack problem: a primer
topic General Economics
Economics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.19077