IoT and Blockchain Integration: Applications, Opportunities, and Challenges

Abstract

During the recent decade, two variants of evolving computing networks have augmented the Internet: (i) The Internet of Things (IoT) and (ii) Blockchain Network(s) (BCNs). The IoT is a network of heterogeneous digital devices embedded with sensors and software for various automation and monitoring purposes. A Blockchain Network is a broadcast network of computing nodes provisioned for validating digital transactions and recording the “well-formed” transactions in a unique data storage called a blockchain ledger. The power of a blockchain network is that (ideally) every node maintains its own copy of the ledger and takes part in validating the transactions. Integrating IoT and BCNs brings promising applications in many areas, including education, health, finance, agriculture, industry, and the environment. However, the complex, dynamic and heterogeneous computing and communication needs of IoT technologies, optionally integrated by blockchain technologies (if mandated), draw several challenges on scaling, interoperability, and security goals. In recent years, numerous models integrating IoT with blockchain networks have been proposed, tested, and deployed for businesses. Numerous studies are underway to uncover the applications of IoT and Blockchain technology. However, a close look reveals that very few applications successfully cater to the security needs of an enterprise. Needless to say, it makes less sense to integrate blockchain technology with an existing IoT that can serve the security need of an enterprise. In this article, we investigate several frameworks for IoT operations, the applicability of integrating them with blockchain technology, and due security considerations that the security personnel must make during the deployment and operations of IoT and BCN. Furthermore, we discuss the underlying security concerns and recommendations for blockchain-integrated IoT networks.

A Blockchain Auto-Scaling Node Organizing Design Model for the Internet of Things

“…Table I shows the parameters used. We modeled Proof of Work [6] consensus [20] simply as a means of comparison between models. Since our approach is consensus agnostic, we expect similar results would be obtained with other consensus mechanisms.…”

“…Nevertheless, BC nodes often take considerable time to reach consensus due to the complexity of computations and the large number of hops required for transactions and blocks to reach participating nodes. This BC complexity presents a challenge for supporting IoT devices (IoTDs) [6]. Since BC is typically implemented as an overlay network, this paper aims to study how node organization may impact BC scalability and efficiency within the overlay network.…”

Study on Data Center Network Topologies for Monitoring Data using Edge/Fog Computing

“…Furthermore, the proliferation of smart contracts is ever growing, where the parties involved define the object of the contract and its clauses, which will be activated if, and only if, all prerequisites are met, as they are auto executable [43]. This way, smart contracts may be seen as a connector among IoT, AI and blockchain [44]. Furthermore, it is to be noted that blockchain is operationally resilient and has low risk of hacking, due to the combination of cryptography and the consensus mechanisms used, such as proof-of-stake or proof-ofwork, thus increasing data security [45].…”

Integrating Iot and Blockchain Technology for Securing Sensors Communication

“…However, for data processing, network command, and control, it depends on centralized cloud computing. Because IoT owners must rely on a third party (such as cloud providers) for the integrity of the data and the process outputs, the integrity of the data and the output of cloud computing is constantly in doubt with the centralized model [1]. On the other hand, a blockchain network's fundamental characteristics include trustworthiness, data redundancy, transparency, and verifiability.…”