Improving the Reliability of Lightweight Blockchain LPWAN Transmission Schemes

This paper first conducts a comprehensive literature review on lightweight cryptography to select cipher algorithms suitable for low-power Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Then, we propose to use blockchain technology with selected cryptography algorithms and coded transmission schemes to address vulnerabilities inherent to wireless channels, ensuring non-repudiation, confidentiality, data availability, and data integrity. The cryptography algorithm selection carefully considers the limitations of the resource-constrained devices (RCDs). Innovative coded transmission schemes are introduced to enhance the reliability of wireless unicast communication between a base station and resource-constrained IoT nodes. The joint use of cryptography, blockchain technology, and coded transmission schemes establishes a robust foundation for real-world implementation, which allows for extending the network range (even double) and the timely selection of the most reliable transmission scheme (according to the IoT node location).