zkSAS: Practical Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Verifiable Spectrum Access Management

2026-09-23

AI Summary

This study addresses the challenges of opaque allocation logic, privacy leakage, and high on-chain computational overhead in spectrum access systems by constructing a compliance verification framework based on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs). The core innovation lies in proposing a ZKP circuit suite compatible with both centralized and blockchain-based architectures. Specifically, this work designs circuits for channel allocation constraints and movement list validity verification, enabling regulatory compliance proofs without exposing any underlying data. Prototype evaluations demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves lightweight verification with constant-time overhead. By ensuring both privacy preservation and computational efficiency, this approach offers a novel pathway toward secure and scalable dynamic spectrum sharing.

Abstract

Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) through the Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) elevates spectral efficiency, yet existing centralized models face allocation logic opaqueness and a lack of independent verifiability. While blockchain-based SAS architectures offer transparency and verifiability by default, they introduce critical privacy risks and prohibitive on-chain computational overhead. We introduce zkSAS, a practical zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) system designed to address the verifiability and privacy gaps in SAS deployments, with direct applicability to both the existing CBRS SAS model and blockchain-based SAS models. The system features a suite of ZKP circuits, encompassing proofs of allocation constraint validity and proofs of move list validity to verify that channel assignments and move list-based incumbent protection measures, respectively, adhere to regulatory constraints without exposing sensitive user data. Comprehensive evaluation of our prototype in both centralized and blockchain-based settings indicates that while proof generation scales with spectrum user population, verification remains lightweight and constant-time. We envision that zkSAS offers a scalable and practical path to secure, verifiable dynamic spectrum sharing.

Problem

• Dynamic Spectrum Access
• Spectrum Access System
• Zero-Knowledge Proofs
• Verifiability
• Privacy

Innovation

• Zero-Knowledge Proofs
• Dynamic Spectrum Access
• Spectrum Access Systems
• Verifiable Computing
• Privacy Preservation