Toward next-generation networks: A blockchain-based approach for core network architecture and roaming identity verification^☆

Abstract

With the evolution of next-generation communication networks, ensuring robust Core Network (CN) architecture and data security has become paramount. This paper addresses critical vulnerabilities in the architecture of CN and data security by proposing a novel framework based on blockchain technology that is specifically designed for communication networks. Traditional centralized network architectures are vulnerable to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, particularly in roaming scenarios where there is also a risk of private data leakage, which imposes significant operational demands. To address these issues, we introduce the Blockchain-Enhanced Core Network Architecture (BECNA) and the Secure Decentralized Identity Authentication Scheme (SDIDAS). The BECNA utilizes blockchain technology to decentralize data storage, enhancing network security, stability, and reliability by mitigating Single Points of Failure (SPoF). The SDIDAS utilizes Decentralized Identity (DID) technology to secure user identity data and streamline authentication in roaming scenarios, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches during cross-network transmissions. Our framework employs Ethereum, free5GC, Wireshark, and UERANSIM tools to create a robust, tamper-evident system model. A comprehensive security analysis confirms substantial improvements in user privacy and network security. Simulation results indicate that our approach enhances communication CNs security and reliability, while also ensuring data security.

Keywords

Blockchain / Core network / Privacy data protection / Decentralized identity / Roaming identity verification

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Yi Gong: Writing - review & editing, Writing - original draft. Boyuan Yu: Writing - review & editing, Writing - original draft, Software. Lei Yang: Writing - original draft. Fanke Meng: Writing - original draft, Software. Lei Liu: Writing - original draft. Xinjue Hu: Writing - original draft. Zhan Xu: Writing - original draft.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation (L223025, 4242003) and Qin Xin Talents Cultivation Program of Beijing Information Science & Technology University (QXTCP B202405). The authors would like to thank the Key Laboratory of Modern Measurement & Control Technology, Ministry of Education Beijing Information Science & Technology University for their support of this paper.

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