This article analyzes the effectiveness of deploying the Blockchain technology in the implementation of the IoT ecosystem database. To this end, we assess the processing efficiency of transactions originated by smart devices and the storeddata integrity. The processing-efficiency evaluation is carried out through queue-theory-based analytical modeling, in which the average time for transaction confirmation is estimated. By its turn, the data-integrity is measured through simulations, where the probability of fraudsters altering already-stored data is estimated. Moreover, the experiments consider a set of scenarios related to different application domains. Final results show that the Blockchain technology may meet IoT efficiency requirements, besides providing adequate data integrity. Lastly, general conclusions and avenues for further research close this article.

Herein it is proposed a simple algorithm for automatic hopping among mining pools in the Bitcoin network. The hopping ceases to occur when the best pool to be mined is found. The choice of the best pool is based on statistical data generated and collected during the operation of the Bitcoin network. Experiments for validation and performance analysis are based on mining networks built specifically for this purpose. The major results show for instance that the bitcoin generation increases at 46.0% comparing to when the mining is carried out in only one isolated pool. Additionally, it is evaluated the possibility of implementing a distributed application making use of the proposed algorithm. Lastly, general conclusions and possible avenues for future works are highlighted at the end of this article.