BE-RAN: Blockchain-enabled Open RAN for 6G with DID and Privacy-Preserving Communication
Hao Xu, Zihan Zhou, Lei Zhang, Yunqing Sun, Chih-Lin I
TL;DR
This work addresses the need for secure, privacy-preserving end-to-end authentication in distributed 6G RANs by introducing BE-RAN, a blockchain-enabled, decentralized RAN architecture. It combines blockchain-based DID management with a zero-trust mutual authentication protocol (BeMutual) to enable on-demand P2P communication and local logging/billing without relying on centralized authorities. The paper contributes a framework for blockchain-backed RAN operation, a BeMutual authentication mechanism, a blockchain-driven routing and QoS model, and a privacy-preserving P2P communication approach, supported by performance analyses showing reduced overheads compared to traditional CA-based schemes. The approach advances practical, secure, and scalable 6G deployments by enabling privacy-centric D2D interactions and CSC integration with lower signaling and computation costs, while laying out challenges and directions for standardization and integration with existing infrastructure.
Abstract
As 6G networks evolve towards a synergistic system of Communication, Sensing, and Computing, Radio Access Networks become more distributed, necessitating robust end-to-end authentication. We propose Blockchain-enabled Radio Access Networks, a novel decentralized RAN architecture enhancing security, privacy, and efficiency in authentication processes. BE-RAN leverages distributed ledger technology to establish trust, offering user-centric identity management, enabling mutual authentication, and facilitating on-demand point-to-point inter-network elements and UE-UE communication with accountable logging and billing service add-on for public network users, all without relying on centralized authorities. We envision a thoroughly decentralized RAN model and propose a privacy-preserving P2P communication approach that complements existing security measures while supporting the CSC paradigm. Results demonstrate BE-RAN significantly reduces communication and computation overheads, enhances privacy through decentralized identity management, and facilitates CSC integration, advancing towards more efficient and secure 6G networks.