Blockchain Enabled Secure Data Transmission With <scp>NB</scp>‐<scp>IoT</scp> Deployment in Smart Agriculture Crop Watch

ABSTRACT The integration of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB‐IoT) and blockchain technology presents a promising solution to address security and efficiency concerns in data transmission within the Internet of Things (IoT). This research focuses on its application in crop Watch, an agricultural monitoring system. The IoT has revolutionized various industries, including agriculture, by facilitating the collection and transmission of extensive data through sensors and devices. However, ensuring secure and efficient data transmission remains a critical challenge. NB‐IoT boasts advantages such as improved coverage in challenging areas, massive connectivity with up to 100 000 links, low energy usage through prolonged discontinuous receipt (eDRX), and cost‐effectiveness. Despite these benefits, NB‐IoT faces security issues, including authentication, anonymity, and fault tolerance. To enhance data security, public key cryptography is proposed to be incorporated into the NB‐IoT framework. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized and immutable nature, can potentially address these security concerns and enhance data accountability. By creating a trust‐less and transparent infrastructure, blockchain complements NB‐IoT's capabilities and provides a robust mechanism for data verification and integrity. This research paper emphasizes the logical integration of NB‐IoT, public key cryptography, and blockchain technology, offering a secure and efficient data transmission framework for agricultural applications like crop Watch. Bridging the gap between data connectivity and security holds promise for advancing agricultural monitoring and driving IoT innovations.