BLOCKGRID: A BLOCKCHAIN-MEDIATED CYBER-PHYSICAL INSTRUCTIONAL PLATFORM

Thumbnail Image
Files
20Dec_Moore_Gregory_Needs Supplemental.pdf (3.32 MB)
Authors
Moore, Gregory M.
Subjects
blockchain
education
smartgrid
BlockGrid
blockchain education
blockchain demonstration
blockchain demo
Ethereum
smart contract
cyberphysical system
cyber-physical system
internet of things
IOT
Advisors
Irvine, Cynthia E.
Date of Issue
2020-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Blockchain technology has garnered significant attention for its disruptive potential in several domains of national security interest. For the United States government to meet the challenge of incorporating blockchain technology into its IT infrastructure and cyber warfare strategy, personnel must be educated about blockchain technology and its applications. This thesis presents both the design and prototype implementation for a blockchain-mediated cyber-physical system called a BlockGrid. The system consists of a cluster of microcomputers that form a simple smart grid controlled by smart contracts on a private blockchain. The microcomputers act as private blockchain nodes and are programmed to activate microcomputer-attached circuits in response to smart-contract transactions. LEDs are used as visible circuit elements that serve as indicators of the blockchain’s activity and allow demonstration of the technology to observers. Innovations in networking configuration and physical layout allow the prototype to be highly portable and pre-configured for use upon assembly. Implementation options allow the use of BlockGrid in a variety of instructional settings, thus increasing its potential benefit to educators.
Type
Thesis
Description
Includes supplementary material, which may be found at https://calhoun.nps.edu/handle/10945/66767
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/10945/66691
Series/Report No
Department
Computer Science (CS)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.
Collections
Theses