BeACONS: A Blockchain-enabled Authentication and Communications Network for Scalable IoV

TL;DR

This paper proposes a blockchain-based network architecture for the Internet of Vehicles that enhances security, reduces latency, and minimizes reliance on centralized authorities by integrating blockchain-enabled services at multiple layers.

Contribution

It introduces a novel decentralized architecture combining blockchain-enabled domain name services and mutual authentication for scalable vehicular networks.

Findings

Improved security and confidentiality in vehicle communications.

Reduced communication latency compared to traditional systems.

Enhanced decentralization reducing dependence on central authorities.

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel blockchain-enabled authentication and communications network for scalable Internet of Vehicles, which aims to bolster security and confidentiality, diminish communications latency, and reduce dependence on centralised infrastructures like Certificate Authorities and Public Key Infrastructures by leveraging Blockchain-enabled Domain Name Services and Blockchain-enabled Mutual Authentication. The proposed network is structured into a primary layer, consisting of Road Side Units and edge servers as servers of Blockchain-enabled Domain Name Services for managing inter-vehicle communications identities, and a sub-layer within each vehicle for intra-vehicle communications via the Blockchain-enabled Mutual Authentication Protocol. This design facilitates secure connections across vehicles by coordinating between the layers, significantly improving communications security and efficiency. This study also evaluates Road Side Unit availability against the random distribution of Road Side Units along the route of different vehicles. The proposed model presents a novel pathway towards a decentralised, secure, and efficient Internet of Vehicles ecosystem, contributing to the advancement of autonomous and trustworthy vehicular networks.