Energy-aware proof-of-authority: Blockchain consensus for clustered wireless sensor network

Abstract

This study addresses integrating blockchain technology into lightweight devices, specifically clustered Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Integrating blockchain into the WSNs solves the problems of heterogeneity, data integrity, and data confidentiality. However, no blockchain integration considers network lifetime in WSNs. This research focuses on developing a permissioned blockchain system that incorporates a consensus mechanism known as Proof-of-Authority (PoA) within clustered WSNs with two main features. The first feature is to enhance the network lifetime by introducing a rotational selection of block proposers using an Energy-Aware PoA (EA-PoA) weighting mechanism. Known as the Multi-Level Blockchain Model (MLBM), the subsequent feature is to create a hierarchical network model within a blockchain network. The MLBM network comprises both local and master blockchains. Each cluster inside a WSN possesses its local blockchain network. In the MLBM, the local blockchain creates a block on the main blockchain by proposing the headers of every 10 blocks to improve data integrity. Each local blockchain has its leader, which can increase block production. The results show that the proposed solution can overcome traditional PoA performance and is suitable for clustered WSNs. In terms of lifetime, the EA-PoA selection method can extend the network lifetime by up to 10%. In addition, the MLBM can increase block production by up to twice each additional cluster compared to a single blockchain network used in traditional PoA.