A Brief Introduction to Smart Cities
Smart cities, based on an infrastructure that uses information and communication technology (ICT), aim to promote development while considering the urban challenges. These cities are well-planned and adequately designed to meet the growing needs of citizens searching for a better lifestyle.
Technology is the backbone of the infrastructure that has enabled smart cities to provide better facilities to the citizens, from medical facilities to all day-to-day activities. In this regard, IT and online transactions govern all the operational processes, and any effect on them can badly disrupt the whole smart city infrastructure. Hence, the primary concern of smart cities is security to make safe and reliable online transactions.
So, considering the primary concern, the use of Blockchain-based infrastructure can highly benefit smart cities. Various application and process areas can be made entirely reliable and more competent by using Blockchain technology. The blog explains how we can secure smart cities using blockchain technology. Without any further ado, let’s dive into the in-depth explanation.
How can Blockchain Technology contribute to secure Smart Cities Infrastructure?
Most people think that Blockchain is only limited to cryptocurrency, but that’s not the case. On the contrary, technology has revolutionized traditional businesses based on centralized architecture and trusted third parties to carry out transactions. Blockchains allow verifications and secure transactions on the internet, and it is possible to utilize them in the framework of smart cities.
The experts argue that based on the technology of Blockchain, the processes are safe and secure from attackers. Moreover, if used in smart cities, the technology also aids in an organized and transparent system in resource management.
Blockchain-based Framework for Smart Cities
Considering the aim of blockchain technology, here we will discuss a model based on Blockchain Technology that best suits the infrastructure of smart cities. Some aspects can be slightly modified while keeping the rest of the model intact. The architecture further discussed here is modular that is Application Specific Module, constituting four layers. The model is flexible so that it can adapt to any specific smart city application. The four layers are:
- User Authentication Layer
It ensures authentication so that only authentic users can access the intended application. Simple steps such as biometric verification or retina scanning with OTP or user password provide authenticated access.
- Data Management layer
The primary purpose of this layer is to coordinate the actions of users between the application and blockchain layer. It carries out all the operations like data parsing, data encryption, packaging, etc., to generate the transaction block. A set of agreed rules known as consensus govern the data alterations.
- Application Layer
This layer is the backbone of the whole architecture. It segregates the numerous activities according to the services and is also responsible for implementing a technology to connect each layer.
- Blockchain-based Record cum Storage Layer
It is an essential layer regarding security. It allows the application service to read and write encrypted data transactions that are tamperproof and entirely constricted to cybersecurity requirements.
The model mentioned above is a secure architectural framework based on blockchain technology, and the model applies to smart cities infrastructure, which already runs on robust IT architecture.
Benefits
The benefits of using Blockchain technology to attain a secure smart city infrastructure include:
- Greater transparency and connectivity
Blockchain technology results in more transparency and connectivity; different cities can connect using the blockchain vertical services like mobility, security, or energy. It uses a transversal system where the exchange of data between inhabitants will occur in real-time.
- Fast communication
Blockchain works with Digital Ledger technology (DLT) and has no intermediaries. In this way, government departments and the public can digitally communicate more efficiently and speed up the procedures.
- Integrity
The technology ensures complete integrity, so you encrypt the file totally or partially without any risk of manipulation by a third party.
- Efficiency
The technology enables efficient management; hence the public and city officials can easily track the origin of resources. All this is possible without risking people’s privacy.
Conclusion
Smart cities have become more flexible and efficient using digital and ICT to enhance overall operation and provide services best suitable to citizens. After exploring Blockchain Technology, and its benefits, we observe that blockchain is redefining Smart Cities’ development by supporting the wellbeing of Smart City residents.
