Blockchain in NGNs: Challenges, Limitations and Future Research Directions
A special issue of Electronics (ISSN 2079-9292). This special issue belongs to the section "Computer Science & Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2026 | Viewed by 66
Special Issue Editors
Interests: edge computing; zero touch networks; cloud compuitng; blockchain; SDN/NFV
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: distributed ledger technologies; blockchain; Internet of Things; identity/device management; edge computing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: quality of experience; mobile cellular networks; 5G; software-defined networking; video streaming
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Recent advancements in next-generation networks (NGNs) have facilitated critical innovations, including ultra-low latency, high throughput, and high availability, attributes essential for supporting sophisticated applications. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), software-defined networks (SDN), and network function virtualization (NFV) pave the way for the development of self-managed frameworks such as zero touch networks (ZTNs) and zero service management (ZSM). These frameworks aim to enhance the performance and operational efficiency of current networks. However, the modular and open nature of NGNs, despite catalyzing the rapid development of several services and solutions, has significantly increased the attack surface, thereby raising concerns regarding the trustworthiness and security of network management frameworks and network services.
Blockchain technology, recognized for its decentralized architecture and advanced cryptographic capabilities, emerges as an optimal solution to address these challenges. By ensuring data integrity, high availability, and establishing trust within inherently trustless environments, Blockchain demonstrates the potential to fortify the security and reliability of NGNs and ZTNs.
This Special Issue aims to delve into the integration of Blockchain technology with NGNs, examine associated research challenges and limitations, and propose innovative methodologies aimed at enhancing trustworthiness and security of NGNs and ZTNs. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews that address and report on implementation and possibilities of the combination of these two disruptive technologies are welcome. In particular, this Special Issue invites research that focuses on (but is not limited to) the following research areas:
- ZTN concepts and Blockchain technology;
- SDNs and Blockchain technology;
- Blockchain-based service chaining in NFV environments;
- Blockchain-based trust and coordination frameworks for drone networks (UAVs);
- Secure and low-latency V2X communications using Blockchain-integrated NGNs;
- DLTs in NGNs ecosystem;
- Trustworthiness of NGNs and integration of Blockchain;
- AI and Blockchain for secure NGNs;
- Governance of multi-domain NGNs through DAOs;
- NFT marketplaces for NGNs;
- ZKPs and NGNs;
- SLA monitoring of NGNs using Blockchain;
- Smart contracts applied in next generation networks (NGNs);
- Distributed zero touch management of virtualized resources;
- AI-generated smart contracts for autonomous network management.
Dr. Michael G. Xevgenis
Dr. Dimitrios G. Kogias
Dr. Eirini Liotou
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- NGNs
- SDN
- NVF
- ZTN
- blockchain
- trustworthiness
- security
- smart contracts
- AI
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