Lightweight Zero-Knowledge Proof-Based Authentication and Blockchain-Assisted Handover for VANETs

Abstract

As vehicles become increasingly intelligent, the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is gaining widespread popularity. However, security concerns in the IoV are becoming increasingly critical, particularly regarding vehicle identity authentication, which directly affects system stability and trust. Therefore, designing an efficient and secure authentication mechanism has become an essential challenge in IoV development. This study focuses on the identity authentication problem between vehicles and roadside units (RSUs) in the IoV. To address the computational overhead challenges posed by the rapid increase in the number of vehicles, we propose a lightweight authentication scheme based on a zero-knowledge proof and design a batch verification mechanism for it. Furthermore, to address the dynamic nature of vehicular traffic, we introduce a Federated Intelligent Dynamic Batching Algorithm (FIDBA) based on a lightweight Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP). This algorithm dynamically predicts the optimal batch size to minimize verification latency and computational cost. This approach ensures security while significantly reducing computational and communication costs, improving scalability and real-time performance. To further address delays in the handover process, we are integrating blockchain technology. Leveraging its decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature, the blockchain securely stores authenticated vehicle information, avoiding repeated verifications and reducing handover delays. To mitigate inefficiencies in blockchain queries, we design a caching mechanism that enables fast data access. Through theoretical analysis and experimental validation, this study demonstrates the superiority of the proposed scheme in security, efficiency, and scalability. This scheme meets current IoV needs and provides a promising reference for future intelligent transportation systems.