The Blockchain-Powered Edge Computing Platform for Developing Smart Internet of Things (IoT) Applications

Abstract

Because of the intensive calculations required by Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) applications, an embedded device with limited hardware, such an IoT device, cannot execute the apps independently. One approach is to send CNN calculations away from the client devices and have them executed by neighboring edge servers [1], which have more powerful hardware. However, the proposed approach has a number of flaws. Providing incentives for the edge server to host the client applications is a problem of availability. Another issue is a problem with scalability, or how to deploy additional servers to handle increased demand for CNN services. Last but not least, there's the problem of data integrity, which concerns the client's ability to have faith in the output from hidden edge servers. We believe that blockchain technology holds the key to resolving these problems and making edge computing a reality. In this work, we present a new blockchain-based structure for CNN edge computing. Due to the inability of existing blockchains like Ethereum to execute a sophisticated programme, we suggest an alternative blockchain structure and protocol.