Secure Communication Protocols for IoT Devices Using Lightweight Blockchain Frameworks

Abstract

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems has introduced critical challenges related to secure communication, data integrity, and trust among distributed devices. Most IoT nodes operate with limited computational power, memory, and energy resources, making traditional security protocols and conventional blockchain systems unsuitable. This paper proposes a lightweight blockchain-based communication protocol specifically designed for such low-power and resource-constrained IoT environments. The architecture incorporates decentralized identity (DID) management to authenticate devices without relying on centralized authorities, ensuring secure peer-to-peer interactions. Smart contracts are employed for automated access control, enabling flexible, rule-based authorization of device communication. To further reduce computational burden, a resource-optimized consensus algorithm replaces heavy mechanisms like Proof-of-Work. The system is implemented and tested both in a simulated environment using Contiki OS and on real-world edge devices. Results demonstrate improved efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced security, making this protocol a practical and scalable solution for secure IoT communications in edge computing environments.