Blockchain-Based Decentralized Trust Management in Vehicular Networks

TLDR

Vehicular networks broadcast messages to improve traffic safety and efficiency, yet the nontrusted environment makes it hard for vehicles to assess message credibility. The paper proposes a decentralized trust management system for vehicular networks that leverages blockchain techniques. Vehicles validate received messages with a Bayesian inference model, generate source ratings, and RSUs compute trust offsets, pack them into blocks, and add these blocks to a shared trust blockchain using a joint proof‑of‑work and proof‑of‑stake consensus that favors blocks with higher stake. Simulations show the system effectively and feasibly collects, calculates, and stores trust values, enabling RSUs to maintain an updated, reliable, and consistent trust blockchain.

Abstract

Vehicular networks enable vehicles to generate and broadcast messages in order to improve traffic safety and efficiency. However, due to the nontrusted environments, it is difficult for vehicles to evaluate the credibilities of received messages. In this paper, we propose a decentralized trust management system in vehicular networks based on blockchain techniques. In this system, vehicles can validate the received messages from neighboring vehicles using Bayesian Inference Model. Based on the validation result, the vehicle will generate a rating for each message source vehicle. With the ratings uploaded from vehicles, roadside units (RSUs) calculate the trust value offsets of involved vehicles and pack these data into a "block." Then, each RSU will try to add their "blocks" to the trust blockchain which is maintained by all the RSUs. By employing the joint proof-of-work (PoW) and proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, the more total value of offsets (stake) is in the block, the easier RSU can find the nonce for the hash function (PoW). In this way, all RSUs collaboratively maintain an updated, reliable, and consistent trust blockchain. Simulation results reveal that the proposed system is effective and feasible in collecting, calculating, and storing trust values in vehicular networks.