Blockchain-Based Security Frameworks for IoT Edge Networks

Abstract

ABSTRACT The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a massive increase in connected devices, particularly in edge networks where computing is distributed closer to data sources. While IoT edge networks offer low latency and improved bandwidth utilization, they also pose significant security challenges due to the heterogeneous and resource-constrained nature of edge devices. Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to enhance the security and privacy of IoT edge networks through decentralization, immutability, and transparency. This review explores blockchain-based security frameworks tailored for IoT edge networks, examining consensus mechanisms, lightweight cryptographic techniques, and hybrid architectures integrating blockchain with other security measures. The paper also discusses performance trade-offs, implementation challenges, and future directions, aiming to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners in this field.

KEYWORDS: Blockchain, IoT, Edge Networks, Security Frameworks, Decentralization, Lightweight Cryptography