Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

Blockchain-Empowered Immutable and Reliable Delivery Service (BIRDS) Using UAV Networks

Sana Hafeez, Habib Ullah Manzoor, Lina Mohjazi, Ahmed Zoha, Muhammad Ali Imran, Yao Sun

TL;DR

BIRDS addresses security challenges in UAV-based delivery by integrating blockchain-based authentication, a novel Proof-of-Competence consensus, and reputation-based node selection to ensure trustworthy routing and data delivery. The framework combines secure UAV registration, blockchain consensus, and performance-based selection to achieve energy-efficient, scalable operation. In simulations with 20 UAVs, BIRDS reduces the number of UAVs needed, lowers delivery time and energy consumption, and decreases network traffic compared with PoW/PoID/PoA baselines. The work demonstrates a practical, decentralized UAV delivery solution with potential impact on large-scale, disaster, or urban logistics.

Abstract

Exploiting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for delivery services is expected to reduce delivery time and human resource costs. However, the proximity of these UAVs to the ground can make them an ideal target for opportunistic criminals. Consequently, UAVs may be hacked, diverted from their destinations, or used for malicious purposes. Furthermore, as a decentralized (peer-to-peer) technology, the blockchain has immense potential to enable secure, decentralized, and cooperative communication among UAVs. With this goal in mind, we propose the Blockchain-Empowered, Immutable, and Reliable Delivery Service (BIRDS) framework to address data security challenges. BIRDS deploys communication hubs across a scalable network. Following the registration phase of BIRDS, UAV node selection is carried out based on a specific consensus proof-of-competence (PoC), where UAVs are evaluated solely on their credibility. The chosen finalist is awarded a certificate for the BIRDS global order fulfillment system. The simulation results demonstrate that BIRDS requires fewer UAVs compared to conventional solutions, resulting in reduced costs and emissions. The proposed BIRDS framework caters to the requirements of numerous users while necessitating less network traffic and consuming low energy.

Blockchain-Empowered Immutable and Reliable Delivery Service (BIRDS) Using UAV Networks

TL;DR

BIRDS addresses security challenges in UAV-based delivery by integrating blockchain-based authentication, a novel Proof-of-Competence consensus, and reputation-based node selection to ensure trustworthy routing and data delivery. The framework combines secure UAV registration, blockchain consensus, and performance-based selection to achieve energy-efficient, scalable operation. In simulations with 20 UAVs, BIRDS reduces the number of UAVs needed, lowers delivery time and energy consumption, and decreases network traffic compared with PoW/PoID/PoA baselines. The work demonstrates a practical, decentralized UAV delivery solution with potential impact on large-scale, disaster, or urban logistics.

Abstract

Exploiting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for delivery services is expected to reduce delivery time and human resource costs. However, the proximity of these UAVs to the ground can make them an ideal target for opportunistic criminals. Consequently, UAVs may be hacked, diverted from their destinations, or used for malicious purposes. Furthermore, as a decentralized (peer-to-peer) technology, the blockchain has immense potential to enable secure, decentralized, and cooperative communication among UAVs. With this goal in mind, we propose the Blockchain-Empowered, Immutable, and Reliable Delivery Service (BIRDS) framework to address data security challenges. BIRDS deploys communication hubs across a scalable network. Following the registration phase of BIRDS, UAV node selection is carried out based on a specific consensus proof-of-competence (PoC), where UAVs are evaluated solely on their credibility. The chosen finalist is awarded a certificate for the BIRDS global order fulfillment system. The simulation results demonstrate that BIRDS requires fewer UAVs compared to conventional solutions, resulting in reduced costs and emissions. The proposed BIRDS framework caters to the requirements of numerous users while necessitating less network traffic and consuming low energy.
Paper Structure (14 sections, 12 equations, 6 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 14 sections, 12 equations, 6 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. System Model and Problem Description
  3. UAV Network Model
  4. Communication Model
  5. Mobility Model
  6. Proposed BIRDS Scheme
  7. Authentication and Registration Phase of BIRDS
  8. Proof-of-Competence in BIRDS
  9. BIRDS Criteria for Miners
  10. Credibility of UAV Node Selection
  11. Energy Consumption in BIRDS
  12. UAV Reputation Score in BIRDS
  13. Results and Discussion
  14. Conclusions Future Work

Figures (6)

  • Figure 1: Blockchain-Assisted UAV Delivery Services.
  • Figure 2: BIRDS Framework.
  • Figure 3: Energy Consumption vs Time.
  • Figure 4: Impact of the Number of UAVs on the Delay.
  • Figure 5: Estimated and Actual Delivery Time for UAV Tasks.
  • ...and 1 more figures