BloCkEd: Blockchain-Based Secure Data Processing Framework in Edge Envisioned V2X Environment

There has been an increasing trend of moving computing activities closer to the edge of the network, particularly in smart city applications (e.g., vehicle-to-everything - V2X). Such a paradigm allows the end user's requests to be handled/processed by nodes at the edge of the network; thus, reducing latency, and preserving privacy of user data/activities. However, there are a number of challenges in such an edge computing ecosystem. Examples include (1) potential inappropriate utilization of resources at the edge nodes, (2) operational challenges in cache management and data integrity due to data migration between edge nodes, particularly when dealing with vehicular mobility in a V2X application, and (3) high energy consumption due to continuous link breakage and subsequent reestablishment of link(s). Therefore in this paper, we design a blockchain-based secure data processing framework for an edge envisioned V2X environment (hereafter referred to as BloCkEd). Specifically, a multi-layered edge-enabled V2X system model for BloCkEd is presented, which includes the formulation of a multi-objective optimization problem. In addition, BloCkEd comprises an optimal container-based data processing scheme, and a blockchain-based data integrity management scheme, designed to minimize link breakage and reducing latency. Using Chandigarh City, India, as the scenario, we implement and evaluate the proposed approach in terms of its latency, energy consumption, and service level agreement compliance.

I. Introduction

In a Typical Vehicle to Everything (V2X) setting, vehicles can communicate with other participating vehicles and the underlying infrastructure (e.g. intelligent devices, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices deployed on the streets, buildings and other physical installations) on the go. In other words, V2X includes a connected communication system, comprising vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle to infrastructure (V2I). In a conventional V2X system, information such as weather and accident updates, road conditions, and the activities of nearby or passing vehicles is provided to the participating vehicle (and the human driver). However, as autonomous vehicles become increasingly commonplace, the potential reach and impact of V2X communications extend beyond those in a conventional V2X system. For instance, such V2X systems can support self-driving and other activities (e.g. automated toll payment and crowd computing). To support these activities in a V2X scenario, data generated by the vehicles need to be processed in real-time, for example using cloud computing facilities.