DBASC: Decentralized blockchain-based architecture with integration of smart contracts for secure communication in VANETs

Abstract

The need for secure and effective communication in vehicular networks is fundamental to the successful development of connected and autonomous vehicles. In this research, we propose a decentralized blockchain-based architecture for vehicular authentication and message exchange, using smart contracts to increase trust, and security. The process of authentication and the transferring of data has been intentionally segregated into blockchains and designed with regard to two types of velocities that have the ability to impact them, tailored to their specific functions and operational dynamics. The authentication blockchain uses a lightweight consensus mechanism specific to quickly verify the identity of entities, helping to form mutual trust. In contrast, the communication blockchain uses a heavier consensus mechanism to ensure integrity and traceability of the messages within the network. This means that there are two different types of consensus mechanisms on each of the blockchains; one which has a low concern for security to authenticate the ‘fact of identity’, and the second, which securely (i.e. conspirators accountability) maintain integrity and assurance for the contents of the messages shared on the second blockchain. The segregation of functionality thus had the effect of improving the performance and scalability of the entire network, and posing an additional layer of security, minimizing the attack surface, and reducing the complexity of consensus per blockchain. The smart contract form of the dual blockchain architecture successfully gives a secure, efficient, and scalable means of managing vehicle communication in decentralized intelligent transportation systems.