Performance and Security Analysis of Distributed Ledger Technologies in IoT
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
L10, Linnanmaa campus
Topic of the dissertation
Performance and Security Analysis of Distributed Ledger Technologies in IoT
Doctoral candidate
Master of Science Ahsan Manzoor
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, CWC - Networks and Systems
Subject of study
Communications Engineering
Opponent
Professor Najmul Islam, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT)
Custos
Professor Mika Ylianttila, University of Oulu
Performance and Security Analysis of Distributed Ledger Technologies in IoT
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and the Internet of Things (IoT) represent two powerful technological paradigms. DLT offers a decentralised approach to data management, enhancing transparency and trust, while IoT brings unparalleled connectivity among devices. This thesis explores the integration of these two technologies to address the critical challenges of security, privacy, and interoperability within the IoT ecosystem.
This thesis proposes a decentralised DLT-based architecture tailored to meet the needs of various IoT scenarios, examining multiple DLT architectures, consensus methods, and security features, while considering the unique characteristics of IoT networks, such as limited device capabilities and connectivity. The development of a robust IoT security mechanism and the implementation of decentralised identity and authentication systems stand out as key advancements. Furthermore, the thesis proposes strategies for scalability and interoperability, along with innovative solution for IoT discovery and provisioning, to facilitate the seamless integration of new devices and platforms. It implements a proof of concept for the proposed architecture in practical IoT use-cases like mobile gaming and smart energy grids. Additionally, it assesses the impact of security and threat models, incorporating strategies for their mitigation within the proposed framework. Evaluations are conducted through simulations, experiments, and analytical studies.
The analysis of the implementation presented in the thesis shows strong indication that the decentralised architecture can support an increase in users from a few thousand to millions without sacrificing in delay characteristics essential to the user experience. Additionally, the integration of a proxy re-encryption method ensures that data is transferred and traded securely, reducing the traditional delays and costs seen in centralised models. Data transactions are thus faster and more secure, keeping costs low. For added transparency, the DLT systematically records every action, making the system audit-ready. In conclusion, the thesis provides an in-depth assessment of the proposed architecture's efficiency, highlighting its security advantages and potential benefits to the landscape of IoT.
This thesis proposes a decentralised DLT-based architecture tailored to meet the needs of various IoT scenarios, examining multiple DLT architectures, consensus methods, and security features, while considering the unique characteristics of IoT networks, such as limited device capabilities and connectivity. The development of a robust IoT security mechanism and the implementation of decentralised identity and authentication systems stand out as key advancements. Furthermore, the thesis proposes strategies for scalability and interoperability, along with innovative solution for IoT discovery and provisioning, to facilitate the seamless integration of new devices and platforms. It implements a proof of concept for the proposed architecture in practical IoT use-cases like mobile gaming and smart energy grids. Additionally, it assesses the impact of security and threat models, incorporating strategies for their mitigation within the proposed framework. Evaluations are conducted through simulations, experiments, and analytical studies.
The analysis of the implementation presented in the thesis shows strong indication that the decentralised architecture can support an increase in users from a few thousand to millions without sacrificing in delay characteristics essential to the user experience. Additionally, the integration of a proxy re-encryption method ensures that data is transferred and traded securely, reducing the traditional delays and costs seen in centralised models. Data transactions are thus faster and more secure, keeping costs low. For added transparency, the DLT systematically records every action, making the system audit-ready. In conclusion, the thesis provides an in-depth assessment of the proposed architecture's efficiency, highlighting its security advantages and potential benefits to the landscape of IoT.
Last updated: 22.4.2024