Leveraging Blockchain for a Robust and Scalable Device Identification in LoRaWAN

In Long Range wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) 1.1 networks, end devices must be activated via Over-The-Air Activation (OTAA) to securely send and receive data. Activation involves a two-step process: identification using a unique identifier (DevEUI) and authentication through a Message Integrity Code computed with a pre-shared key. Both DevEUI and pre-shared keys must be provisioned beforehand. We propose a scalable blockchain-based decentralized model to improve the identification of untrusted end devices during LoRaWAN's OTAA without altering the protocol, thus allowing immediate deployment in existing networks. Our approach accommodates corrupted devices and stores data in a distributed, permanent, and publicly auditable manner while facilitating rapid detection and identification of untrusted devices. Adapting blockchain technology to LoRaWAN resource-constrained environment, we design a specific data block structure combined with a “Proof of Identification” (PoI), while maintaining distributed consensus. This approach ensures a robust and scalable LoRaWAN join procedure while enhancing device identification and traceability. Through simulation models that combine our blockchain proposal with LoRaWAN 1.1 OTAA specification, we show improved performance for various metrics, e.g., for 10,000 devices, identification is two times faster using the blockchain.