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Top1. Introduction
The term “blockchain” gained widespread recognition in 2009 with the launch of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, and only lately has the potential for blockchain use in other fields been considered. A “blockchain” is a term that refers to a method of storing and processing data on computer networks via a chain of blocks. It is not related to any particular type of data (M., 2015). Each block in the chain can contain arbitrary data, including production processes, which describes the possibilities of using this technology in production systems (Porru et al., 2017). The growth of cyber-physical systems (CPS) and the Industrial Internet of Things IIoT necessitate the resolution of several data interchange and processing issues, including storage, access, security, and so on.
Furthermore, there is a contemporary trend toward developing distributed systems rather than centralized ones. One of the essential characteristics of the Internet of Things is its nodes' autonomy and capacity to interact with one another (Teslya & Ryabchikov, 2017). This is a service-based interaction in which specialized nodes deliver services to other nodes in the network. Some blockchain implementations use a smart contract mechanism to enable such interaction. A smart contract is a self-executing script stored with other data on the blockchain. Each smart contract has its algorithm written in a specific programming language and automatically conducts any activities without the involvement of other parties. A smart contract monitors the fulfillment of specified circumstances and, using the given algorithm, takes choices based on them. Because every network member may sign a contract, this mode of engagement extends to Internet of Things nodes. This technique creates a dependable environment for transferring network nodes and makes services visible and uniform. Furthermore, because all contracts are already maintained on the blockchain, there is no need to construct a separate service registry (Christidis & Devetsikiotis, 2016). Blockchain technology is highly general; many applications are now employed in various domains of human activity (Daza et al., 2017).
To effectively use all of the benefits of blockchain technology for developing CPS and the Industrial Internet of Things, it is required to design the ideal blockchain network topology based on the tasks to be done and select the most relevant tools (software and hardware). A Cyber-Physical System (CPS) results from integrating computation with physical processes. On the other hand, some argue that it is a system that combines environmental elements with the computational part. Data acquired from the environment and actions that correspond to the environmental aspects from the moment there is a translation of data from the environment into the digital world. It is the responsibility of computing to handle this data. CPSs monitor and control the physical world, with the possibility of having sensor networks and associated actuators (Monostori, 2014).