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An efficient distributed and secure algorithm for transaction confirmation in IOTA using cloud computing

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Abstract

In recent years, the development of IOTA, a new type of Distributed Ledger (DL) for internet of things (IoT), has gained significant attention. IOTA DL offers key features like scalability, fast and free transactions, making it an optimal choice for IoT devices. However, a major concern with IOTA DL is its reliance on a single coordinator for transaction confirmation. This default coordinator introduces issues of single point of failure and incomplete distribution. To address these limitations, this paper proposes the Multiple Coordinator Selection (MCS) algorithm. MCS aims to overcome the problem by involving multiple coordinators in the consensus process. Four metrics, namely "trust level," "distance from input transactions," "node activity," and "transaction distribution," are defined as properties for coordinator selection. Additionally, a checklist is employed to minimize the probability of collusion within the system. Furthermore, the paper introduces a three-layered architecture based on cloud and fog computing, where the MCS algorithm is implemented. Experimental results demonstrate improved security and distribution of the system, while reducing the chances of collusion and single point of failure.

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The source codes and datasets used in the paper are available from the first author on reasonable request.

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Funding

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Engineering, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

    Alavieh Sadat Alavizadeh, Seyed Hossein Erfani & Amir Sahafi

  2. Faculty of Computer Science, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany

    Meghdad Mirabi

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  1. Alavieh Sadat Alavizadeh
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  2. Seyed Hossein Erfani
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  3. Meghdad Mirabi
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  4. Amir Sahafi
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. The first draft of the manuscript was written by ASA, then it is reviewed by SHE, MM and AS. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Seyed Hossein Erfani.

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Alavizadeh, A.S., Erfani, S.H., Mirabi, M. et al. An efficient distributed and secure algorithm for transaction confirmation in IOTA using cloud computing. J Supercomput 80, 1491–1521 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11227-023-05525-4

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