NTT, a well-known telecommunications company based in Japan, has put forward a solution to tackle the excess of Wi-Fi access points in Tokyo by utilizing blockchain technology. The company is confident that this innovative approach will help to establish a more efficient and secure network for the city.
NTT has already conducted tests in several locations across Japan using a blockchain-based system that facilitates the sharing of Wi-Fi access points. The system leverages smart contracts to automatically allocate access to the network, ensuring a more dependable and secure Wi-Fi experience than traditional networks.
The New Wifi Sharing Program
Under this program, internet users can search for available networks and establish a connection. Upon connection, an Ethereum Proof of Authority contract will be executed to confirm identities and initiate billing arrangements before allowing registered users and devices to join private networks. NTT has integrated additional technology to ensure that these ad hoc connections effectively share spectrum and do not overload a single access point.
All participating network nodes utilize blockchain-ledger information to decentralize and autonomously balance the number of terminal connections, thereby enhancing communication quality. NTT’s announcement of its experiments confirms that these experiments were conducted on a variety of wireless access systems with different administrators. The implementation of this program demonstrates NTT’s commitment to utilizing cutting-edge technology to provide secure and efficient internet access to its users.
Significance of this Development
As per NTT’s announcement, Tokyo may no longer require additional Wi-Fi access points or private 5G cells if the scaling project is successful, even if the demand for connectivity increases. Additionally, the company claims that it can enable networks to expand without a corresponding increase in energy consumption, and the freed-up spectrum can be utilized for other purposes.
However, NTT has yet to explain how it isolates transient connections from traffic created by access point owners or operators, which is a critical concern that potential participants will likely want to be addressed before sharing their connectivity.
Furthermore, the scheme must address significant security concerns about using public networks, even with the power of blockchain, as some issues cannot be completely eliminated. NTT will provide more details about the program at Tsukuba Forum, its annual networking conference, in mid-May.
