Exploring the Integration of Blockchain Technology and IoT in a Smart University Application Architecture

Abstract

The ecosystem inherent within currently deployed Internet of Things (IoT) systems is that of low-powered devices equipped with sensors that consume data. The data these devices collect is then stored in use-case specific applications, which are connected through application layer gateways that allow these devices to connect to third party cloud storage platforms for further processing. This stratified architecture has created data silos that introduce complexities such as limited user control and lack of solicitation regarding the usage of user data. The constant proliferation of IoT devices deployed in smart cities which include smart university campus (SUC) has resulted in the need for the development of IoT architecture models which are data-centric. In this paper a blockchain- based architecture model, and specifically, the distributed ledger inherent within the Ethereum blockchain, combined with the Proof Of Authority (POA) consensus mechanism, are proposed as a potential solution to developing a proof of concept architecture model that is data-centric. The proposed architecture model will be tested against with application specific use-cases in a simulated environment within the context of a SUC which is subsumed by a smart city.