Optimized Secure Handover in 5G Networks Using Lightweight Blockchain and Hierarchical Clustering

International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJECE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 7

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Kiran Mannem, Suresh Suggula, Srinivasulu Reddy Battu, Shilpa Bagade

10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V12I7P129

How to Cite?

Kiran Mannem, Suresh Suggula, Srinivasulu Reddy Battu, Shilpa Bagade, "Optimized Secure Handover in 5G Networks Using Lightweight Blockchain and Hierarchical Clustering," SSRG International Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 7, pp. 378-389, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488549/IJECE-V12I7P129

Abstract:

Efficient mobility management is essential in contemporary wireless communication systems to maintain continuous and reliable connectivity as users move across the network users. In Fifth-Generation (5G) networks, the widespread use of densely packed small cells results in a higher likelihood of handover events, increasing the chances of issues such as the ping-pong effect and radio link failures. These problems are often linked to poorly optimized handover control parameters. To mitigate these challenges, this study proposes HO-LBlock, a secure and lightweight blockchain-assisted framework designed for efficient handover and mobility management in 5G heterogeneous network environments. The proposed approach is structured around four key phases: network formation, secure authentication, hierarchical clustering, and a hybrid handover mechanism, all designed to enhance both security and efficiency in dynamic 5G environments. A grid-based network is initially constructed to enhance data transmission rates and strengthen connectivity between devices. After that, to amplify security, authentication is performed based on the Colour Code Combination (CCC) method, and the secret key is provided by a lightweight blockchain using the Elliptic Curve SIGNcryption algorithm (ECSIGN). Following this, hierarchical clustering is performed by integrating the Dunn Index and the Improved k-medoids (DUNNI) method to minimize energy consumption by selecting the Cluster Head (CH) and Substitute Cluster Head (SUB CH). Finally, a two-condition-based handover is executed by optimizing the HCPs using a data-driven optimization approach with the Combined Coral Reef Optimization and Improved Q-learning (CCROIQ) algorithm. In this work, a lightweight blockchain is employed to ensure data privacy and security during information transactions. The performance of the proposed framework is evaluated through simulations conducted in Network Simulator 3.26 (NS-3.26), and the results demonstrate its superiority over existing approaches across several critical performance indicators.

Keywords:

Authentication, Clustering, Blockchain, Handover, Heterogeneous network, Mobility management.

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