FL-DApp: Open-source decentralized application for reputation in O-RAN federated learning
Abstract
Operational Federated Learning (FL) across multiple operators in Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) settings demands trustworthy coordination. We introduce FL-DApp, a blockchain-based, open-source Decentralized Application (DApp) for lightweight, reputation-driven client selection. Aligned with the O-RAN architecture, FL-DApp exposes a minimal, portable on-chain interface on Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) networks, supported by off-chain adapters that (i) register participants, (ii) collect and verify per-round validation metrics, and (iii) compute and store reputations. Model training and aggregation remain off-chain to minimize computational overhead. To support reproducibility and adoption, FL-DApp includes a scriptable workflow and generates structured outputs and CSV logs. The reference implementation targets the Polygon Amoy testnet and is portable across EVM-compatible layers. We evaluate registration, metric submission, reputation update, and finalization under realistic conditions. Around 86% of batched reputation commits are confirmed within seven seconds, enabling seconds-scale cycles aligned with the non-real-time RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC) in the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework. FL-DApp thus offers a practical and reproducible foundation for transparent, decentralized FL in multi-operator O-RAN environments.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
Privacy-Preserving Technologies in Data
Blockchain Technology in Education and Learning
Publication details
- Journal / source
- SoftwareX
- Volume
- 34
- Pages
- 102554–102554
- Publication date
- 16 February 2026
- Language
- EN