Number Portability Information Management System on Blockchain

Number Portability Information Management System on Blockchain

Term Definition Number portability is a mechanism that allows users to keep their original phone numbers when changing telecom operators or communication services. Number portability database (number portability DB) is a database used to associate phone numbers with their corresponding operator information. Shared database method is a single number portability database jointly funded and operated by all operators, to which all routing queries are sent. Blockchain is a sequence of blocks connected by cryptographic hash functions, recording information in the form of a distributed ledger. Node is a device that forms a peer-to-peer network and participates in maintaining the blockchain. Information registration request transaction contains information such as user phone number, contracted operator information, electronic signature and public key, and is used to register information to the number portability database. Consensus algorithm is an algorithm used in a peer-to-peer network to reach consensus between nodes, verify and add new blocks to the blockchain. Smart contract is a contract that can be verified and automatically executed on a computer. Miner is a node that participates in solving cryptographic puzzles and receives rewards. Ethereum is a smart contract platform based on blockchain. Digital currency is an electronic currency that uses cryptographic principles to ensure transaction security.

Short answer questions

What is number portability and what problem does it solve?

Number portability refers to a mechanism that allows users to keep their original phone numbers when changing telecom operators. It solves the inconvenience caused by the change of contact information caused by the need to change numbers after users change operators.

What are the traditional methods for managing number portability databases? What are their advantages and disadvantages?

Traditional methods include: 1) management by number segment, 2) data sharing by all companies, and 3) shared database. Method 1 is low-cost but inefficient; method 2 is high-cost and difficult to maintain; method 3 is efficient but has a single point failure risk.

How does the blockchain-based number portability information management system proposed in this study solve the shortcomings of traditional methods?

The system uses the decentralized characteristics of blockchain to store the number portability database on each node in a distributed manner, avoiding single point failures and improving system reliability and availability. At the same time, the immutability of blockchain also ensures the security and credibility of data.

What information does the information registration request transaction contain? Why is an electronic signature required?

It contains user number, contracted operator information, timestamp, electronic signature, and public key. Electronic signatures are used to verify the authenticity and integrity of information and prevent information from being tampered with.

How do nodes process information registration request transactions?

After receiving the information registration request transaction, the node will verify the validity of its electronic signature and compare it with the existing information on the blockchain to ensure that there is no conflict in the information. If the verification is successful, the node will package the transaction into a new block.

What is a consensus algorithm? What role does it play in a blockchain-based number portability information management system?

A consensus algorithm is an algorithm used in a peer-to-peer network to reach consensus between nodes, verify and add new blocks to the blockchain. It ensures the consistency of the number portability database by all nodes, preventing data conflicts and malicious tampering.

How to prevent malicious users from registering false information using other people's phone numbers?

The system confirms the identity of the registrant by verifying the electronic signature in the information registration request transaction. Only users with the corresponding private key can generate a valid electronic signature, thereby preventing others from misusing numbers to register false information.

How to update or delete information in the number portability database?

Users can update or delete information by broadcasting a new information registration request transaction. The new transaction needs to contain the updated information and be signed with the same private key as the original information to prove the legitimacy of the update operation.

What are the advantages of a blockchain-based number portability information management system over traditional systems?

Compared with traditional systems, blockchain-based systems have higher reliability, availability and security. Decentralized data storage eliminates single points of failure, and the immutability of blockchain ensures the security and credibility of data.

How does the blockchain-based number portability information management system ensure the privacy of data?

The system can encrypt and store sensitive information through encryption technology, such as using the user's public key to encrypt the information of the contracted operator. Only users with the corresponding private key can decrypt and view it, thereby protecting the privacy of the data.