Blockchain for Dynamic Spectrum Access and Network Slicing: A Review

Abstract

Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) and network slicing are some of the principal concepts to realize the emerging applications in Beyond 5th Generation (B5G) and 6th Generation (6G) networks. The frequency spectrum remains scarce and underutilized, while the performance requirements in terms of data throughput and latency of the network tenants have diversified. DSA allows for the efficient utilization of spectrum resources, while network slicing aims to serve network users with highly distinctive service needs. Lack of incentivization, sharing of spectrum resources among multiple operators, and lack of trust between operators are some of the challenges faced by centralized DSA approaches. Similarly, secure network slice orchestration, slice-isolation, secure access to network resources, privacy of user sensitive data, assuring the provision of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), are some of the challenges in existing network slicing techniques. Blockchain due to its innate capabilities can be a promising technology to solve the key issues pertaining to current DSA and network slicing approaches. Blockchain through smart contracts, provides traceability of network resources, auditability and accountability of network operators and service providers. Smart contracts facilitate the automation of resource sharing and network slice orchestration, while ensuring that SLAs are met, and network operators are compensated. This paper first provides a comprehensive overview of the DSA concept, the existing DSA techniques, and the challenges posed by these techniques. This is followed by a detailed description of network slicing, its key elements and architecture, various network slicing parameters, existing network slicing techniques and their challenges. Then an in-depth review on blockchain, its working principle, factors that affect blockchain implementation, and a comparison of various open-source blockchain platforms that support smart contracts is presented. This discussion is summarized by presenting the state-of-the-art in the blockchain-enabled DSA and network slicing, challenges and trade-offs of these techniques, and the gaps and future directions in this research area. Finally, we conclude by providing some future research directions.

Enhancing 5G Antenna Manufacturing Efficiency and Reliability through Blockchain and Smart Contract Integration: A Comprehensive AHP Analysis

“…This synergy particularly benefits IoT applications in smart cities and healthcare, where secure data management is crucial. The fusion of blockchain's reliability and 5G's speed not only improves existing services but also paves the way for innovative applications, such as the swift execution of smart contracts [66][67][68][69].…”

“…Biswas and Wang [70] explore the integration of IoT, Edge Intelligence, 5G, and blockchain in autonomous vehicles, reviewing their impact on AV architecture. Muntaha and colleagues [69] discuss blockchain's potential to enhance dynamic spectrum access and network slicing for 5G and beyond, emphasizing its role in secure, efficient, and transparent network slicing. Karim et al [71] develop a blockchain-based secure data collection and exchange scheme for the Internet of Vehicles in a 5G environment, focusing on enhancing communication security using Elliptic Curve Cryptography.…”

A Survey on Blockchain for Dynamic Spectrum Sharing

“…The study considers the rapid integration of UAVs with existing wireless technologies, specifically Spectrum Management for UAV operation [30] L H L L L M L L An overview of DSA along with DSA techniques, network slicing and its challenges and blockchain-based DSA has been considered [31] L H L L L M L L Various security and privacy attacks on SAS and possible countermeasures has been considered [32] L L L L M H L L A comprehensive study of blockchain and AI in wireless communications. The study discusses in depth the integration of AI into blockchain and its application to DSM.…”

“…Furthermore, BC-based solutions have been considered viable solutions for spectrum management for UAV environments. In terms of DSA, [30] provides an overview of existing DSA approaches while highlighting the importance of network slicing to facilitate the requirements of DSA. In addition to that automation capability of SCs has been explored.…”

BSM-6G: Blockchain-Based Dynamic Spectrum Management for 6G Networks: Addressing Interoperability and Scalability

“…Within the spectrum landscape, there are two primary categories: licensed and unlicensed bands [1], [2]. Licensed bands are allocated to specific Primary Users (PU)s, such as broadcasters, government agencies, and cellular and Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) operators networks [1], [3], [4]. These PUs have exclusive rights to operate within their assigned frequency ranges.…”