Smart Contracts in the 5G Roaming Architecture: The Fusion of Blockchain with 5G Networks
2021 (English)In: IEEE Communications Magazine, ISSN 0163-6804, E-ISSN 1558-1896, Vol. 59, no 3, p. 77-83, article id 9422339Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
The rollout of fifth generation (5G) cellular network technology has generated a new surge of interest in the potential of blockchain to automate various use cases involving cellular networks. 5G is indeed expected to offer new market opportunities for small and large enterprises alike. In this article, we introduce a new roaming network architecture for 5G based on a permissioned blockchain platform with smart contracts. The proposed solution improves the visibility for mobile network operators of their subscribers' activities in the visited network, as well as enabling quick payment reconciliation and reducing fraudulent transactions. The article further reports on the methodology and architecture of the proposed blockchain-based roaming solution using the Hyperledger platform.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. , 2021. Vol. 59, no 3, p. 77-83, article id 9422339
Keywords [en]
Blockchain, Mobile telecommunication systems, Network architecture, Queueing networks, Wireless networks, Cellular network, Fraudulent transactions, G-networks, Large enterprise, Market opportunities, Mobile network operators, Roaming solutions, 5G mobile communication systems
National Category
Telecommunications
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ri:diva-53138DOI: 10.1109/MCOM.001.2000857Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85105615053OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ri-53138DiVA, id: diva2:1557645
Note
Funding details: Università di Bologna, UNIBO; Funding details: 871533, 825012; Funding details: Fondazione Bruno Kessler, FBK; Funding text 1: Acknowledgments This work has been performed within the EU’s H2020 projects 5G-CARMEN (825012) and 5G-ZORRO (871533), and funded through a collaborative program between the University of Bologna and the Fondazione Bruno Kessler.
2021-05-262021-05-262021-06-16Bibliographically approved