A blockchain-based IoT networks-on-demand protocol for responsive smart city applications

Abstract

This paper proposes a distributed resource sharing protocol for enabling dynamic deployment of IoT networks on-demand in smart cities. The proposed protocol leverages Blockchain technology to: (i) enable distributed and secure management of IoT devices; (ii) provide fast discovery of IoT resources and scalable on-demand networks; and (iii) ensure reliable fund transfers for service payment among the network entities. The protocol relies on a peer-to-peer network infrastructure to allow communication among the IoT devices in a distributed manner, and uses a self-recovery/self- healing mechanism to ensure robustness against device failure and maliciousness. The protocol also introduces and uses a reputation system to monitor and keep track of services delivered by registered devices for quality of service delivery assurance. We implemented and evaluated the proposed protocol intensively using simulations to assess its effectiveness in terms of scalability to network sizes and robustness to device failures.