A Lightweight Reputation System for UAV Networks

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become indispensable components in the modern Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem and are increasingly popular for various applications, including delivery, transporting, inspection, and mapping. However, the reliability, security, and privacy of UAV devices are among the public’s top concerns as they operate close to each other and other objects. This paper proposes a LIghtweight Blockchain-based REputation (LIBRE) system to improve the reliability and performance of a UAV network by monitoring, tracking, and selecting the most appropriate individuals to carry out tasks. In the LIBRE system, a reputation score is assigned to each newly registered UAV device with limited network access. Exclusive access is, therefore, given once the reputation is ascertained based on the behavior and the feedback given by peer nodes that have interacted with it. An algorithm was proposed to calculate the reputation score updated in the Blockchain to provide fairness, immutability, and auditability. A proof-of-concept prototype of LIBRE system architecture was implemented on a private Ethereum Blockchain, and the extensive experimental study has validated the effectiveness of the LIBRE scheme.