Integrated Management of Network Address Translation, Mobility and Security on the Blockchain Control Plane.

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Network Engineering
• Cybersecurity

Background:

• The coexistence of IPv4 and IPv6 presents challenges, particularly Network Address Translation (NAT) traversal for mobile Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Existing vertical models address NAT, mobility, and security issues individually, leading to inefficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel Blockchain-based Integrated Network Function Management (BINFM) scheme.
• To concurrently manage NAT, mobility, and security for mobile IoT devices.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a blockchain-based framework for integrated network function management.
• Utilization of a Query/Reply mechanism for parameter acquisition.
• Employing a one-time session key for secure end-to-end data transfer.

Main Results:

• The BINFM scheme enables batch processing of NAT, mobility, and security management parameters.
• Demonstrated secure end-to-end data transfer through the use of a one-time session key.
• Achieved improved performance in terms of latency for mobility and security compared to existing vertical models.

Conclusions:

• The proposed BINFM scheme offers an integrated and efficient solution for managing NAT, mobility, and security in mobile IoT environments.
• Blockchain technology facilitates simultaneous management, enhancing network performance and security.