Blockchains: Empowering Technologies and Industrial Applications

A comprehensive guide to the most recent developments in blockchains in theoretical and industrial perspectives

Originally  introduced as a method to keep track of Bitcoin transactions over a  peer-to-peer network, blockchain is a continuously growing list of  records, called blocks, which are linked and secured using cryptography  into a chain held in public databases. The use of this technology has  grown since its cryptocurrency creation and now store three types of  information: 1) transactions, including the date, time, and value of  purchases; 2) records of participates in transactions; and 3) unique  code known as a “hash” that distinguishes one block from another. A  single block on the blockchain can hold 1 MB of data, or potentially  thousands of transactions – this then can allow for hundreds of  thousands of transactions to be recorded as each block can join the  state-of-the-art blockchain.

Blockchains provides a detailed  overview of the latest and most innovative concepts, techniques, and  applications related to the developing blockchain. Aimed at novices and  experts on the subject, the book focuses on blockchain technologies,  integrated systems, and use cases, specifically by looking at three  major technical areas: blockchain platforms and distributed database  technologies, consensus and fault tolerance, and Blockchain as a Service  (BaaS). These avenues of research are essential to support blockchain  functionalities, such as acquiring and updating existing data, securing  data resources and the recovery of failures, and using blockchains in  various services that range from cryptocurrencies to cloud automation.

Blockchains readers will also find

Brainstorming activities that gradually builds the knowledge of readers on the described technology and deployment scenarios
Investigation  of specific topics such as novel networking protocols, wireless  techniques, new infrastructure designs, operations management, and  deployment strategies
Discussion of technical challenges in  blockchain, as well as how to manage cloud-based networks, service  automation, and cyber security
Numerous elementary and advanced examples on various topics at the end of the book that can be used for training purposes
Illustrations including tables and diagrams to help elucidate points made throughout the volume
Glossary of relevant terminology to blockchains in enterprise

Blockchains  isa useful reference for researchers in vehicular networking and  computer science, as well as cloud storage providers and governmental  offices for data management.