Blockchain computer data distribution

Abstract

Blockchain distribution of computer data is disclosed. Computer data can comprise computer code, a computer code segment, a computer command, or a block of computer data, which can be employed by a device to patch software, change a device state, or synchronize data between devices. Blockchain distribution can provide benefits in a heterogeneous device environment, facilitate ad hoc device synchronization, and embody a distributed patch and communications network. Devices can receive a blockchain block from another device and, in some embodiments, enable other devices to access the block from the device. In some embodiments, devices can discard irrelevant blocks, however, an entire blockchain can be reconstructed where partial blockchains can be received from more than one device. Additionally, checkpoint blocks can enable devices to navigate the blockchain efficiently by skipping over known irrelevant blocks.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system, comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:
 receiving a blockchain block comprising an identifier and a payload, wherein the identifier is associated with determining a relevancy of the payload to a device; and 
 in response to determining that the identifier satisfies a rule related to a characteristic of the device, employing the payload by the device. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 storing a portion of a blockchain comprising the blockchain block at the device; and   facilitating access to the blockchain block by another device.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the portion of the blockchain is all of the blockchain. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the payload comprises computer code. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the computer code represents a portion of another computer code larger than the computer code. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the payload comprises a command that, when employed by the device, alters a state of the device. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the payload comprises electronic data. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the rule relates to a brand, type, class, series, or model of the device. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the rule relates to a version of software or firmware of the device. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the employing the payload by the device causes the device to access another blockchain block. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the other blockchain block is at a position away from the blockchain block by at least one intervening blockchain block. 
     
     
         12 . A method, comprising:
 receiving, by a device comprising a processor, a first blockchain block comprising an identifier, a payload, and a reference to a second blockchain block immediately preceding the first blockchain block; and   in response to determining that the identifier satisfies a rule related to a device criterion, employing, by the device, the payload by the device.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 storing, by the device, a portion of a blockchain comprising the first blockchain block; and   enabling, by the device, access to the first blockchain block by another device.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the portion of the blockchain is the blockchain. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 in response to determining that the identifier does not satisfy the rule related to the device criterion, discarding, by the device, the first blockchain block; and   enabling, by the device, access by another device to a portion of a blockchain not comprising the first blockchain block.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the employing the payload by the device causes the device to access a third blockchain block separated from the first blockchain block by at least one intermediate blockchain block. 
     
     
         17 . A machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:
 receiving a blockchain block comprising an identifier and a payload comprising at least a portion of a software patch, a command that when employed by a device causes a state change of the device, or computer data that, when employed by the device, enables an operation of the device; and   in response to determining that the identifier satisfies a rule related to a parameter of a device, employing the payload by the device.   
     
     
         18 . The machine-readable storage device of  claim 17 , wherein the operations further comprise:
 storing, by the device, at least a portion of a blockchain comprising the blockchain block; and   enabling, by the device, access to the blockchain block by another device.   
     
     
         19 . The machine-readable storage device of  claim 17 , wherein the employing the payload by the device causes the device to access another blockchain block separated from the blockchain block by at least one intervening blockchain block. 
     
     
         20 . The machine-readable storage device of  claim 17 , wherein the payload comprises at least the portion of the software patch that is combined with at least another portion of the software patch comprised in another payload of another blockchain block to yield a complete software patch that can be employed by the device.