Fog computing architecture using blockchain technology

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the growth in the number and variety of devices connected to the Internet, the requirements for network performance and data transmission security are increasing. Today, performance problems are usually solved through cloud, fog and edge computing, while the problem of data storage and transmission security remains relevant. One of the effective ways to solve this problem is to use blockchain technology. Purpose: Designing the architecture of a fog computing network based on blockchain technology. Results: Based on the research in the field of fog computing, the requirements for the fog computing architecture were determined, such as: autonomy, scalability, flexibility, hierarchy, security, reliability, availability, serviceability. The selected criteria for building an architecture led to the choice in favor of a private blockchain due to its higher performance compared to a public blockchain A comparative analysis of the consensus algorithms that are most often used in private blockchains was carried out and the most suitable one was chosen. Based on the requirements put forward and the results of the analysis, a fog computing architecture model based on a private blockchain was designed. The architecture consists of four elements: end devices, fog nodes, orchestration nodes, and cloud infrastructure. The blockchain includes fog nodes and orchestration nodes, which ensures the confidentiality, availability and integrity of data in the fog network. Practical relevance: Paper results can be used in the design of fog computing networks both separately and as part of 5G mobile networks.