  The disaggregated and multi-vendor nature of OPEN-RAN networks introduces new
supply chain security risks, making equipment authenticity and integrity
crucial challenges. Robust solutions are needed to mitigate vulnerabilities in
manufacturing and integration. This paper puts forth a novel blockchain-based
approach to secure OPEN-RAN equipment through its lifecycle. By combining
firmware authentication codes, a permissioned blockchain ledger, and equipment
node validators, we architect a tamper-resistant ecosystem to track provenance.
The outlined design, while conceptual, establishes a foundation and roadmap for
future realization. Through careful implementation planning, development of
core components like firmware signed hashes and smart contracts, and rigorous
performance evaluation, this paper can evolve from concept to practice. There
is a vivid potential to make OPEN-RAN supply chains corner to corner secure,
igniting further research and real-world deployment.
