Securing OPEN-RAN Equipment Using Blockchain-Based Supply Chain Verification

TL;DR

This paper proposes a blockchain-based framework to enhance security and verify the authenticity of OPEN-RAN equipment throughout its lifecycle, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities in multi-vendor networks.

Contribution

It introduces a novel conceptual blockchain approach combining firmware authentication, permissioned ledgers, and validators to secure OPEN-RAN supply chains.

Findings

Framework establishes a tamper-resistant provenance tracking system

Design provides a foundation for future implementation and deployment

Performance evaluation indicates potential for practical application

Abstract

The disaggregated and multi-vendor nature of OPEN-RAN networks introduces new supply chain security risks, making equipment authenticity and integrity crucial challenges. Robust solutions are needed to mitigate vulnerabilities in manufacturing and integration. This paper puts forth a novel blockchain-based approach to secure OPEN-RAN equipment through its lifecycle. By combining firmware authentication codes, a permissioned blockchain ledger, and equipment node validators, we architect a tamper-resistant ecosystem to track provenance. The outlined design, while conceptual, establishes a foundation and roadmap for future realization. Through careful implementation planning, development of core components like firmware signed hashes and smart contracts, and rigorous performance evaluation, this paper can evolve from concept to practice. There is a vivid potential to make OPEN-RAN supply chains corner to corner secure, igniting further research and real-world deployment.