Blockchain for Spectrum Management in 6G Networks

With 5G networks currently in deployment, it is expected that the much‐awaited vision of superior network performance in terms of lower latency, higher data rates, and improved reliability will translate into much improved quality of service for end users. However, despite these advancements, the relentless growth of data traffic and increased demand for higher network performance by new applications and services has prompted research into 6G networks. The promise of bringing programmability and ease of network management while also offering flexibility for innovative network design have made the software‐defined network (SDN) concept a key enabling technology for future networks. However, current SDN implementations are not well suited to support business agreements that foster interoperability among mobile network operators (MNOs). In this chapter, we present the outcome of our published research paper showing a unified SDN and blockchain architecture with enhanced spectrum management features for enabling seamless user roaming capabilities between MNOs. Our study shows that users can experience no disruption in service with very minimal delay as they traverse between operators.