Blockchain-Based Decentralized Storage for Scalable and Secure IoT Data Management

Abstract

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems has resulted in an unprecedented surge in data generation, necessitating reliable, scalable, and secure storage mechanisms. Traditional centralized storage systems suffer from inherent limitations such as single points of failure, limited scalability, and vulnerability to cyberattacks, which compromise the confidentiality and availability of critical IoT data. This study introduces a blockchain- based decentralized storage framework aimed at addressing these critical issues. By leveraging the distributed and immutable characteristics of blockchain technology, the proposed system enhances data integrity, ensures transparency, and facilitates trustless data exchange among heterogeneous IoT devices. The methodology includes mathematical modeling of key performance parameters such as latency, throughput, storage efficiency, and consensus delay. Smart contracts are integrated to automate validation and enforce rules among interconnected devices, while redundancy mechanisms like replication and erasure coding improve storage reliability and efficiency. The framework’s effectiveness is evaluated using simulation tools including Hyperledger Caliper and Ethereum Testnets for blockchain behavior, and NS-3 and OMNeT++ for modeling dynamic IoT network environments. Experimental results reveal a 30% improvement in data retrieval time, 25% gain in storage efficiency, 40% enhancement in system resilience, and a 50% increase in transaction throughput over conventional approaches. These metrics highlight the suitability of the proposed model for real-world applications requiring scalable and secure IoT data management, such as healthcare monitoring, smart cities, and industrial automation. The model’s reproducibility and modularity make it a robust solution for future research and deployment. Overall, this work demonstrates that blockchain-integrated decentralized storage frameworks present a transformative step toward resilient and scalable IoT infrastructures.