Blockchain state-of-the-art: Architecture, use cases, consensus, challenges and opportunities
Open accessAbstract
Blockchain is a chain of blocks where each block contains a set of transactions that are digitally signed by its verifier and stored across the distributed network so that all the legitimate stakeholders can access/verify them. Due to the attributes of Blockchain such as decentralization, immutability, auditability, transparency, and cryptographic security, it offers various benefits to different domains such as cryptocurrency, financial sectors, private/public segments, insurance, healthcare, supply chain management, Internet of Things, etc. However, the technology is in its early stage and still, there is a range of concerns that are yet to be addressed before its wide adoption. Through this paper, we intend to cover extensive study on the Blockchain that includes taxonomy, application/use-cases, consensus mechanisms, prospective research, future directions, and related technologies. This paper also aims to discuss the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of Blockchain technology and to assist the research community in understanding the same.
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The sequential nature of the blockchain ensures that execution of any transaction depends on successful execution of all preceding transactions.
“The sequential nature of the chain ensures that the execution of any transaction depends on the successful execution of all preceding transactions, establishing a robust system of trust and data integrity [13].”
From IoT and Blockchain for Support for Smart Contracts Through TpM (2025) · cites this paper as [13]
Section 2.1 (Architecture) says that execution of the current transaction depends on previously committed transactions, and describes validation and hash-linking that protect transaction integrity. It does not say that every transaction requires the successful execution of all preceding transactions; that universal requirement is stronger than the passage supports. Page numbers are not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.84)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredValidated transactions are grouped into blocks and cryptographically linked to form an immutable chain of records.
“Validated transactions are then grouped into blocks and cryptographically linked to form an immutable chain of records.”
From IoT and Blockchain for Support for Smart Contracts Through TpM (2025) · cites this paper as [13]
Blockchain operates on a decentralized consensus mechanism, eliminating reliance on a centralized entity for transaction validation.
“Blockchain operates on a decentralized consensus mechanism, eliminating the reliance on a centralized entity for transaction validation.”
From IoT and Blockchain for Support for Smart Contracts Through TpM (2025) · cites this paper as [13]
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Cites
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IoT and Blockchain for Support for Smart Contracts Through TpM
Yamaguti, R., Ferreira, L. C. B. C., Lui Motta, L., Montali Assumpção, R., Branquinho, O. C., Iervolino, G., & Cardieri, P. (2025) · Sensors · doi:10.3390/s25165001 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“The sequential nature of the chain ensures that the execution of any transaction depends on the successful execution of all preceding transactions, establishing a robust system of trust and data integrity [13].”
- Authors
- Shrimali, B., & Patel, H. B.
- Affiliations
- Kadi Sarva Vishwavidyalaya (IN)
- Corresponding author
- Shrimali, Bela
- Venue
- Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences
- Published
- 2022-10
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 6793-6807
- ISSN
- 1319-1578 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3193752600
- Cited by
- 179
- References
- 6
- Citations by year
- 2026: 12 · 2025: 46 · 2024: 60 · 2023: 36 · 2022: 25
- FWCI
- 27.36
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Blockchain Technology in Education and Learning
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Networks and Communications › Distributed systems and fault tolerance
- Keywords
- blockchain, blockchain architecture, consensus algorithms, blockchain use cases, decentralization (distributed systems), immutability, cryptographic security, blockchain adoption barriers
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