A survey of fault tolerant consensus in wireless networks

Abstract

Wireless networks have become integral to modern communication systems, enabling the seamless exchange of information across a myriad of applications. However, the inherent characteristics of wireless channels, such as fading, interference, and openness, pose significant challenges to achieving fault-tolerant consensus within these networks. Fault-tolerant consensus, a critical aspect of distributed systems, ensures that network nodes collectively agree on a consistent value even in the presence of faulty or compromised components. This survey paper provides a comprehensive overview of fault-tolerant consensus mechanisms specifically tailored for wireless networks. We explore the diverse range of consensus protocols and techniques that have been developed to address the unique challenges of wireless environments. The paper systematically categorizes these consensus mechanisms based on their underlying principles, communication models, and fault models. It investigates how these mechanisms handle various types of faults, including communication errors, node failures, and malicious attacks. It highlights key use cases, such as sensor networks, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, wireless blockchain, and vehicular networks, where fault-tolerant consensus plays a pivotal role in ensuring reliable and accurate data dissemination.