Blockchain-based auditing in 5G network slicing

Blockchain-based auditing in 5G network slicing

Glossary

Term Definitions 5G Fifth Generation Mobile Communication Technology Network slicing refers to the division of a physical network into multiple virtual end-to-end networks, each slice is logically independent, with different network functions and service quality to meet the needs of different application scenarios Blockchain A distributed database that uses cryptography to ensure data security and immutability Distributed ledger A database that is replicated and synchronized on multiple nodes, each node has a complete copy of the data Smart contract A piece of code stored on the blockchain that is automatically executed when pre-set conditions are met Root block The first block in the blockchain, also known as the genesis block Block ID Unique identifier for each block in the blockchain Audit information Information used to record the operating status of network slices, user behavior, and resource usage Participants Entities involved in the creation, management, and use of network slices, such as operators, users , device and other permissions are used to control participants' access and modification rights to blockchain dataUE user equipment, such as smartphones, tablets, etc.PLMN public land mobile network, operator network providing mobile communication servicesAMF access and mobility management function, a network function in the 5G core network, responsible for UE access and mobility managementMME mobile management entity, a network function in the 4G network, responsible for UE mobility managementNSSAI network slice selection auxiliary information, information used by UE to select and access network slicesURLLC ultra-reliable low-latency communication, a type of 5G network slice, suitable for application scenarios with extremely high requirements for latency and reliabilityeMBB enhanced mobile broadband, a type of 5G network slice, suitable for application scenarios that require high-speed data transmissionVNF virtual network function, software-based network function running on a general hardware platformShort answer questions

What is the use of blockchain technology in 5G network slicing?

What is the root block and what information does it contain?

Explain how blockchain is used to maintain and update UE usage information.

How do smart contracts play a role in managing network slices?

Why are access permissions important in the context of blockchain network slicing?

Explain how blockchain can help optimize network slice allocation when UE roams.

Describe how different domains in a 5G network environment interact with blockchain networks.

Explain how the UE verifies the block ID and public key received from the PLMN.

What are the categories of audit information and how do they help blockchain traversal?

In addition to UE usage information, what other types of audit information can blockchain store?

Short Answer Question Answer

Blockchain technology in 5G network slicing is used to provide a trusted permissioned distributed ledger and smart contract repository to enable auditing, instantiation, and maintenance of network slices.

The root block is the first block in the blockchain, also known as the genesis block. It contains the parameters of the network slice, such as sliceID, policy ID, and permission information. It also includes smart contracts, communication properties, and cryptographic information between participants.

Every time a UE registers on a PLMN, a new UE usage information block is created and added to the blockchain. This block contains the UE's usage information, such as its bandwidth usage history. By tracking this information, blockchain can help the PLMN optimize network slice allocation.

Smart contracts define the rules for reaching agreement between different participants within a network slice. They can automatically execute and enforce contracts, ensuring that all participants abide by the agreed terms.

Access rights are essential to controlling access to sensitive information in the blockchain. By defining read and write permissions, the blockchain can ensure that only authorized participants can access and modify data.

The blockchain stores the usage history information of the UE, including its usage patterns in previously visited PLMNs. When the UE roams to a new PLMN, this information can help the new PLMN optimize the network slice allocation and provide the best quality of service based on the needs of the UE.

Each domain in the 5G network environment, such as the UE domain, RAN domain, core network domain, and data network domain, can interact with the blockchain network through terminals. These terminals can read and write to the blockchain, enabling coordination and data sharing across different domains.

The UE can verify the block ID and public key received from the PLMN by trying to decrypt the block associated with the block ID using the received public key. If the decryption is successful and the decrypted block contains a matching UE ID, the verification is successful.

Audit information category is a classification of different types of audit information stored in the blockchain. They can include billing information, resource usage information, quality of service (QoS) information, call metrics information, and log information. These categories aid blockchain traversal by providing a traversal mechanism based on storage tags or markers to indicate the categories of audit information contained in the block.

In addition to UE usage information, blockchain can also store other types of audit information such as network performance data, security event logs, and billing records. This allows for comprehensive auditing of network slice operations and ensures transparency and accountability.

Essay Question

Discuss the advantages and challenges of using permission-based blockchains in the context of 5G network slicing. Consider factors such as security, privacy, scalability, and interoperability.

As more and more devices are connected to 5G networks, it becomes critical to manage and process large amounts of data. Explain how blockchain technology can be used to implement an effective and secure data management system for 5G network slicing.

Network slicing allows network services to be customized based on specific requirements such as latency, bandwidth, and security. Explain how smart contracts play a vital role in automating network slice configuration, resource allocation, and quality of service (QoS) management.

UE usage information plays a vital role in optimizing resource utilization in 5G network slicing. Discuss how blockchain technology can be used to collect, store and share UE usage information between different PLMNs to enable efficient network slice allocation and seamless roaming experience.

Integrating blockchain technology into 5G network slicing brings challenges related to data privacy and security. Discuss potential solutions that can be implemented to mitigate these issues, ensuring that user data remains confidential and protected on a distributed ledger.