EdgeChain: An Edge-IoT Framework and Prototype Based on Blockchain and Smart Contracts (1806.06185v1)

Abstract: The emerging Internet of Things (IoT) is facing significant scalability and security challenges. On the one hand, IoT devices are "weak" and need external assistance. Edge computing provides a promising direction addressing the deficiency of centralized cloud computing in scaling massive number of devices. On the other hand, IoT devices are also relatively "vulnerable" facing malicious hackers due to resource constraints. The emerging blockchain and smart contracts technologies bring a series of new security features for IoT and edge computing. In this paper, to address the challenges, we design and prototype an edge-IoT framework named "EdgeChain" based on blockchain and smart contracts. The core idea is to integrate a permissioned blockchain and the internal currency or "coin" system to link the edge cloud resource pool with each IoT device' account and resource usage, and hence behavior of the IoT devices. EdgeChain uses a credit-based resource management system to control how much resource IoT devices can obtain from edge servers, based on pre-defined rules on priority, application types and past behaviors. Smart contracts are used to enforce the rules and policies to regulate the IoT device behavior in a non-deniable and automated manner. All the IoT activities and transactions are recorded into blockchain for secure data logging and auditing. We implement an EdgeChain prototype and conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the ideas. The results show that while gaining the security benefits of blockchain and smart contracts, the cost of integrating them into EdgeChain is within a reasonable and acceptable range.

Insightful Overview of "EdgeChain: An Edge-IoT Framework and Prototype Based on Blockchain and Smart Contracts"

The paper "EdgeChain: An Edge-IoT Framework and Prototype Based on Blockchain and Smart Contracts" by Pan et al. addresses critical challenges of scalability and security within the Internet of Things (IoT) domain by integrating edge computing with blockchain technology. The authors propose a comprehensive framework leveraging a permissioned blockchain network alongside smart contracts to enhance resource management and device behavior regulation in IoT environments. Fundamentally, the EdgeChain framework facilitates seamless and secure resource transactions between IoT devices and edge servers through an innovative internal currency system that links resource usage to device accounts.

The introduction of EdgeChain is set against the backdrop of IoT's rapid expansion, projected to connect over 50 billion devices by 2025. This explosive growth poses significant challenges to traditional centralized computing models, necessitating a shift towards edge computing where resources are distributed closer to the data sources. EdgeChain leverages blockchain's key characteristics—immutability, traceability, and decentralized trust—to address these scalability and security challenges.

The cornerstone of this framework is its ability to integrate IoT devices with a blockchain-based credit system. This system defines device access to resources based on predefined credit, behavior, and payment of coins. The resources are allocated following a pricing mechanism considering the current availability, request size, and device priority, ensuring dynamic and fair resource distribution. The initial distribution of credits and coins enables an efficiently decentralized IoT marketplace, fostering controlled interactions between billions of IoT devices and edge servers.

The paper highlights a notable technical contribution in its prototype, implemented using Ethereum blockchain technology. Extensive evaluation demonstrates that while blockchain and smart contract integrations add overhead to system operations, this remains within an optimal range when juxtaposed with traditional systems. The authors report that essential operations such as device registration have significantly lower communication and storage costs, with block sizes efficiently managed across a scalable ledger system.

From a practical standpoint, EdgeChain's architecture promises scalable IoT infrastructure management with robust built-in security. By regulating IoT device behavior via indirect blockchain-based policies, EdgeChain mitigates potential threats without the need for intensive device-level security software. Furthermore, smart contracts enforce compliance and regulate device activity, offering a non-repudiable framework.

The paper articulates the implications of this research, notably in enhancing trust and interoperability in a massively interconnected IoT landscape. Looking forward, opportunities abound in refining the intelligence of resource provisioning to enhance multitenant application performance and broaden EdgeChain's applicability across diverse IoT ecosystems.

In conclusion, this paper offers a detailed exploration of the potential of blockchain in transforming edge computing for IoT. EdgeChain illustrates a practical synergy between blockchain technology and edge computing, charting a course for improved IoT system scalability, efficiency, and security. This research is poised to influence future IoT infrastructure designs, enabling smarter, more secure, and efficient device interactions. Further exploration and refinement of this paradigm could catalyze substantial advances in the deployment of IoT technologies at scale.