Scalable Storage Optimization for Blockchain-Based Cross-Domain Authentication in IoT
Deyu Luo, Gang Sun, Mochan Fan, Hongfang Yu, Dusit Tao Niyato · IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management · 2025
In the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, securing interactions among myriad devices across diverse domains is paramount. Traditional centralized authentication systems, primarily based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), often suffer from significant drawbacks such as single points of failure, privacy invasion, and limited scalability. Addressing these concerns, this paper explores the application of blockchain technology, known for its decentralized, tamper-resistant, and transparent features, as a robust alternative. However, the integration of blockchain faces scalability challenges, particularly in storage management, as the number of devices and authentication demands escalate. This work introduces a novel blockchain data value concept and a storage optimization strategy that prioritizes critical authentication data to minimize storage demands without compromising security. We formalize this approach as an optimization problem and propose two heuristic algorithms aimed at efficient storage allocation. Our experimental results affirm the effectiveness of these strategies, significantly alleviating storage constraints and enhancing scalability in blockchain-based cross-domain authentication systems for IoT. The key contributions of this research include a pioneering storage strategy that could set a precedent for future blockchain implementations in IoT and potential broad implications for enhancing IoT security infrastructure globally. This work not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge by proposing practical solutions to recognized scalability issues but also paves the way for more resilient IoT ecosystems.