DeLoRaN: Decentralize LoRaWAN Network Server Through Blockchain

LoRaWAN networks have become popular for enabling long-range, low-power connectivity in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Traditional LoRa Wannetworks typically rely on a centralized architecture, which may pose limitations regarding scalability, reliability, and adaptability. In contrast, decentralized LoRaWAN networks offer a compelling alternative with several distinct features. This study explores the advantages of decentralized LoRaWAN networks over their centralized counterparts and presents DeLoRaN, a completely decentralized and fully compatible LoRaWAN network. Firstly, a decentralized network architecture enhances the availability of services by leveraging multiple copies of a LoRaWAN Network Server (NS), here called Network Controller, thereby eliminating the single points of failure. Secondly, the decentralized nature of the network improves data availability and integrity by utilizing shared and decentralized ledgers, such as blockchain technology. This ensures that data remains accessible and tamper-proof even in the presence of malicious actors or network failures. Thirdly, a decentralized network strengthens resilience by tolerating faulty or malicious nodes through the consensus mechanisms employed by the Network Controller. To prove our point, we present an implementation of our distributed approach and test it in different scenarios, to appreciate performance and scalability of DeLoRaN when compared to a centralized approach.