When Mobile Blockchain Meets Edge Computing (1711.05938v2)

Abstract: Blockchain, as the backbone technology of the current popular Bitcoin digital currency, has become a promising decentralized data management framework. Although blockchain has been widely adopted in many applications, e.g., finance, healthcare, and logistics, its application in mobile services is still limited. This is due to the fact that blockchain users need to solve preset proof-of-work puzzles to add new data, i.e., a block, to the blockchain. Solving the proof-of-work, however, consumes substantial resources in terms of CPU time and energy, which is not suitable for resource-limited mobile devices. To facilitate blockchain applications in future mobile Internet of Things systems, multiple access mobile edge computing appears to be an auspicious solution to solve the proof-of-work puzzles for mobile users. We first introduce a novel concept of edge computing for mobile blockchain. Then, we introduce an economic approach for edge computing resource management. Moreover, a prototype of mobile edge computing enabled blockchain systems is presented with experimental results to justify the proposed concept.

• The paper introduces an edge computing framework that offloads PoW tasks from mobile devices, enhancing blockchain efficiency in IoT systems.
• It employs a Stackelberg game model to optimize pricing strategies and resource allocation between mobile miners and edge service providers.
• Experimental results reveal improved mining success rates and resource efficiency under varying demand conditions.

An Overview of Mobile Blockchain Integration with Edge Computing

The paper, "When Mobile Blockchain Meets Edge Computing," addresses the integration of edge computing with blockchain technology, particularly focusing on mobile environments and IoT systems. The researchers propose a unique framework for managing blockchain operations, such as proof-of-work (PoW), in resource-constrained mobile devices by leveraging mobile edge computing (MEC).

Core Contributions and Methodology

The primary contribution lies in proposing an edge computing framework to support mobile blockchain operations. This involves offloading the computationally intensive PoW tasks to edge servers located at mobile network edges, effectively mitigating the limitations of mobile devices in processing power and energy consumption. The paper also introduces an economic model using a Stackelberg game for managing and pricing edge computing resources among mobile computing users, aligning the interests of both service providers and mobile miners.

Technical Approach

1. Blockchain Overview and Challenges:
   • The paper begins by outlining the traditional blockchain architecture, highlighting how its decentralized nature poses resource challenges for mobile and IoT devices during proof-of-work mining.
2. Edge Computing Integration:
   • The introduction of MEC provides additional computational resources to mobile users, allowing them to engage in blockchain activities without direct involvement in resource-intensive tasks.
3. Economic Model for Resource Management:
   • The Stackelberg game model is employed to address the pricing strategy for MEC resources. The model facilitates the analysis of interactions between service providers as leaders and mobile miners as followers, leading to optimal resource allocation.
4. Prototype and Experimentation:
   • A prototype system using Ethereum is implemented, demonstrating the practical feasibility of the proposed solution. Experiments with different numbers of miners show improved mining success rates as MEC resources increase.

Numerical Results and Analysis

The research provides detailed experimental outcomes, showing the impact of varying numbers of miners and differing reward structures on the demand for edge computing services. Significant findings indicate that the discriminatory pricing scheme based on individual miners' needs results in more efficient resource allocation and profit optimization for service providers.

Implications and Future Directions

The integration of MEC with blockchain addresses crucial challenges faced by mobile blockchain networks, improving their robustness and efficiency. This approach also introduces new economic models and pricing strategies in mobile edge computing networks. Future research could explore further optimization of economic models, test larger-scale applications, and investigate security implications of offloading computational tasks to edge networks.

Conclusion

This insightful paper delineates a pathway for enhancing blockchain capabilities in mobile environments through MEC. By effectively managing computational resources and incorporating economic principles, it opens doors to deploying blockchain in a wider range of mobile and IoT applications, paving the way for more integrated and efficient decentralized networks.