Toward a Failures Model for Communication of Decentralized Applications with Blockchain Networks Applied in the Industrial Environment

Consensus algorithms seek to solve communication failures between nodes in a blockchain network. However, the communication failures that involve decentralized applications running on Industrial Internet of Things devices have not yet been addressed. Thus, this work aims to fill this research gap, presenting a failure model for communication between decentralized applications and the blockchain network. Initially, the failures are defined and classified; then countermeasures are presented to circumvent the failures; and at the end, the impact of the countermeasures on the performance of decentralized applications, smart contract, and the blockchain network is evaluated. Therefore, this work provides an analysis of the effects of failures and assists in the design of blockchain applications capable of tolerating certain failures and continuing to function.

Introduction

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the extension and application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in industrial sectors, providing greater automation and optimization, as well as better visibility of the supply chain and logistics [1]. This integration is generating unprecedented levels of productivity, efficiency, and performance that enable manufacturers to realize financial and operational benefits. Despite the challenges of deploying IIoT in critical industry environments, investments in this market could reach trillions of dollars between 2021 and 2028 [2].