CONTENTS
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Generations before 6G
1.1.2 Motivation and Scope of Blockchain in 6G
1.1.3 Contribution of Blockchain Using 6G in Various Realms
1.2 Enhanced Data Security in 6G Networks
1.2.1 Threats in 5G Networks
1.2.2 Requirement Syntax of Blockchain in 6G
1.3 Decentralized Intelligent Resource Management
1.3.1 Application-Based Use-Cases in 6G Networks
1.3.1.1 Spectrum Management
1.3.1.2 Pervasive Connectivity
1.3.1.3 Network Slicing
1.4 Decentralized Architecture for Industrial Applications 4.0
1.4.1 Automated Robotic Systems
1.4.2 Augmented Reality
1.4.3 3D Printing Additive Manufacturing Unit
1.4.4 Personalized Healthcare
1.5 Distributed Ledger Technology
1.5.1 Monitoring and Protection of the Environment
1.5.2 Data Analytics and Data Sharing
1.5.3 Standards of Blockchain Adopted for 6G Technology
1.5.3.1 Intelligent Resource Management
1.5.3.2 Access Control of Intelligent Resource Management
1.5.3.3 Self-Adaptive Smart Contract Scheme
1.6 Integrated Networks
1.6.1 Internet of Things for Interoperability in Various Business Applications
1.6.2 AI and Machine Learning for Superefficient 6G Networks
1.6.2.1 6G Intelligent Smart Radio Communication
1.6.3 Dedicated Applications of 6G Networks
1.6.3.1 Smart Agriculture
1.6.3.2 Smart Supply Chain and Logistics
1.6.3.3 Benefits of Blockchain in 6G Networks
1.7 Conclusion
References
1.1 Introduction
The wireless telecommunication network mutates nearly every ten years, giving meteoric innovations since 1980. In 1981, the first generation of wireless cellular technology was analog standard radio signals. Then 2G digital networks replaced analog radio signals. The second-generation cellular networks are time division multiple access (TDMA)-GSM standards consisting of three primary benefits: conversations between users are digitally encrypted, methodical usage of radio frequency, and new data services mode on short messaging service (SMS) text.
In 2001, the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunication technology was upgraded from 2G for faster data transfer using International Mobile Telecommunication Standards. In 2011, the fourth generation of broadband cellular technology, using the International Mobile Telecommunication Advanced Specification, relied on Internet protocol-based communication. The fourth generation was usually described as long-term evolution (LTE), which offers highly defined mobile television, video conferencing, Internet protocol telephony, and 3D television [1]. In 2019, the fifth-generation technology standard for cellular networks was deployed worldwide. The 5G networks had greater bandwidth than 4G, which offered a significant advantage in providing higher download speeds [2]. Due to the growth in bandwidth, there was an increase in applications in machine-to-machine networks and the Internet of Things.
1.1.1 Generations before 6G
The sixth-generation network is the revolutionary innovation of this decade. At all previous levels of generation, the network had been vulnerable to security threats. The first generation wireless networks were elementary and vulnerable to illegal cloning and many security exploitations, such as masquerade attacks. The second generation was susceptible to message spamming, such the injection of false information into the networks. The third generation of wireless networks consisted of many Internet-based vulnerabilities in IP-based protocols. The fourth generation deployed many new multimedia, and hence attacks increased on smart devices [1]. The fifth generation, with many interconnected critical services, was expanded more than 4G, increasing the threat of actors in network applications, such as smart cities and smart transport communication [1]. See Tables 1.1 and 1.2.
The areas of study in the standardized development in terahertz wireless communication (THZ) [3] and visible light communication (VLC) are not included in the 5G cellular network, but innovative research is in progress to track non-line-of-sight environments. In 5G, cellular networks sensing using RF signals are still in research, not integrated for operations. But 6G networks rely on beam foaming patterns to facilitate operations on e-health and intelligent vehicular networks as innovative services. The 5G networks, which provide bidimensional space, offer connectivity to the device and ground. 6G provides three-dimensional coverage through terrestrial and nonterrestrial platforms by drones and satellites. Thereby, the functional standards of 6G meet the requirements of ultrahigh data rates and high-volume traffic while envisioning essential growth in blockchain technology.
Table 1.1 Comparison of Generations | Features | 1G | 2G | 3G | 4G | 5G | 6G |
| Start | 1970– 1984 | 1980– 1999 | 1990– 2002 | 2000–010 | 2010– 2015 | 2019 |
| Technology | AMPS, NMT, TACS | GSM | WCDMA | LTE, WiMAX | MIMO, millimeter waves | GPS |
| Frequency | 30 kHz | 1.8 GHz | 1.6–2 GHz | 2–8 GHz | 3–30 GHz | 95 GHz–3 THz |
| Access system | FDMA | TDMA/CDMA | CDMA | CDMA | OFDM/BDMA | COMPASS |
| Core network | PSTN | PSTN | Packet networks | Internet | Internet | Internet |
| Speed | 2.4 Kbps | 64 Kbps | 2 mbps | 100 mbps | 300 mbps | 1 Tbps |
| Handoff | Horizontal | Horizontal | Horizontal | Horizontal/Vertical | Horizontal /Vertical | Horizontal/Vertical |
| Service | Mobile telephony | Digital voice, short messaging | Integrated high audio and video | Dynamic information access | Dynamic information access on variable devices | Dynamic information access on variable devices with AI capabilities |
| Switching | Circuit | Circuit for access N/W and air interface | Packet except air interface | All packets | All packets | All packets |
| Satellite integration | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| AI | No | No | No | No | Partially | Fully |
| E2E latency | No | No | No | 100 ms | 10 ms | 1 ms |
| Mobility support | No | No | No | Up to 350 km/h | Up to 500 km/h | Up to 1000 km/h |
Table 1.2 Distinctive Differences between 5G and 6G | S.NO | Standards | Technological limitations in 5G | 6G challenges | Supported use-cases |
| 1 | Terahertz | High bandwidth with Small antenna | High propagation loss | Industry 4.0 |
| 2 | VLC | Unlicensed spectrum with low interference | RF uplink needed | E-health |
| 3 | Sensing and localization | Context-based control | Efficient multiplexing | Unmanned mobility |
| 4 | User-based network architecture | Distributed intelligence | Real-time process | Pervasive connectivity, e-health |
1.1.2 Motivation and Scope of Blockchain in 6G
Blockchain technology is generally a tamperproof, decentralized database ordered in a hash tree structure. The features of blockchain technology are atomicity, durability, authenticity, suitability, integrity, privacy, and security. The benefits of blockchain technology [4] to 6G are (1) decentralization that enables zero-touch service management and improves the service strength in the nodes of the network; (2) immutability, which creates a trusted execution environment for the networks made of unbounded interconnected devices; (3) elimination of single-point failure by adopting standard cryptographic algorithm/advanced cybersecurity techniques; (4) smart contracts that enable data security, sharing, and service-level agreements; and (5) lower processing fees and minor processing delay for large-scale data exchange compared to 5G.
1.1.3 Contribution of Blockchain Using 6G in Various Realms
This chapter foresees that the future pathway for blockchain framework use in 6G technology is in enhancing security features in various realms such as IoT, device-to-device (D2D), machine-to-machine (M2M), smart contract, artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML). These highlighted enhanced security features of blockchain intelligent resource management employ smart contracts for spectrum sharing and provide self-organizing networks.
This chapter is organized as follows. Section 1.2 explains ...
