Blockchain-Enabled Security Model for VANETs: A Novel Approach to Authentication and Position

Abstract

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANET) is infrastructure-less networks that does not rely on a preexisting infrastructure and are inherently vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to their intrinsic openness. We proposed a new blockchain-based security model that is meant to make VANET safer by adding methods for authentication and position verification. The proposed model uses Road Side Units (RSUs) to verify the identification of vehicles and an iterative method to verify the vehicle’s geographical location by calculating the Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA). Blockchain technology is a key part of keeping track of safety event messages, location badges, and trust levels, which ensures compliance with local regulations. The proposed model was simulated under the OMNeT + + Veins, and SUMO simulators. In situations where there are no malicious nodes, the model has a better Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) than common protocols like ASC, LAKAP, and HEPPA. The proposed method constantly has a big advantage in PDR, even when there are malicious nodes present. This shows how reliable the proposed method is. We also examined End-to-End Delay, Transmission overhead, and Packet Loss Ratio, which shows that the model can make networks more efficient. The simulation results proved that the proposed model is a strong way to improve the safety and performance of communication networks, especially when it comes to self-driving and connected vehicles. These encouraging results pave the way for more study to improve how useful and effective blockchain implementation is in VANETs, which is in line with the dynamic landscape of connected vehicles.