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In the realm of network management, the integration of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) with blockchain-based smart contracts is an emerging frontier with significant potential to enhance inter-domain communications. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the application of smart contracts within SDN, particularly focusing on the automation and security of inter-domain interactions. Smart contracts, characterized by their immutable and autonomous nature, offer a novel approach to enforcing network policies and agreements across different SDN domains seamlessly. We explore the inherent benefits of this integration, including enhanced security through the tamper-proof nature of blockchain, and the efficiency gains achieved by automating network policy enforcement. The paper also addresses critical challenges such as scalability, interoperability, and the complexity of smart contract development within the SDN context. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and practical case studies, this research illuminates the transformative potential of smart contracts in SDN, paving the way for more secure, efficient, and self-regulating network environments. The findings and discussions in this paper aim to contribute to the ongoing evolution of SDN, particularly in scenarios where multiple administrative domains necessitate robust, automated, and secure communication frameworks.
Ohri et al. (2024) studied this question.