Blockchain-Envisioned UAV-Aided Disaster Relief Networks: Challenges and Solutions

【Author】 Wang, Yuntao; Hu, Qinnan; Li, Zhendong; Su, Zhou; Li, Ruidong; Zou, Xiang; Zhou, Jian

【Source】IEEE COMMUNICATIONS MAGAZINE

【影响因子】9.030

【Abstract】Natural or man-made disasters pose significant challenges for delivering critical relief to affected populations due to disruptions in critical infrastructures and logistics networks. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)-aided disaster relief networks (UDRNs) leverage UAVs to assist existing ground relief networks by swiftly assessing affected areas, and timely delivering lifesaving supplies. To meet the growing demands for collaborative, trust-free, and transparent UDRN services, blockchain-based UDRNs emerge as a promising approach through immutable ledgers and distributed smart contracts. However, several efficiency and security challenges hinder the deployment of blockchain-based UDRNs, including the lack of cooperation between smart contracts, lack of dynamic audit for smart contract vulnerabilities, and low forensics robustness against transaction malleability attacks. Toward efficient and secure blockchain- based UDRNs, this article presents potential solutions: a series of collaborative smart contracts for coordinated relief management; a dynamic contract audit mechanism to prevent known/unknown contract vulnerabilities; and a robust transaction forensics strategy with on/off-chain cooperation to resist transaction malleability attacks. Our prototype implementation and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach. Lastly, we outline key open research issues crucial to advancing this emerging field.

【Keywords】Disasters; Blockchains; Smart contracts; Collaboration; Real-time systems; Land vehicles; Air to ground communication; Security; Vehicle dynamics; Stakeholders

【发表时间】2024 2024 SEP 27

【收录时间】2024-10-10

【文献类型】理论模型

【主题类别】

区块链应用-实体经济-无人机领域