Blockchain-Based Framework for Secure Communication in Smart IoT Systems

Abstract

Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising paradigm for addressing the inherent vulnerabilities of Internet of Things (IoT) networks. Conventional IoT systems rely on centralized architectures that are prone to single points of failure, data breaches, and unauthorized access. This paper presents a blockchain-enabled secure communication framework for smart IoT systems that integrates symmetric encryption, distributed ledger validation, and smart-contract–driven access control. The proposed model is formalized through mathematical definitions of encryption, hashing, and contract execution, and validated using simulation tools such as NS-3 and Ethereum-based test environments. Comparative results demonstrate that the framework significantly improves communication security, data integrity, and resistance to cyberattacks while reducing latency and energy consumption relative to traditional models. The findings suggest that blockchain integration provides a scalable, resilient, and efficient foundation for trustworthy IoT communication in smart environments.