Introduction -- Historical Background of Ledger Technology and Blockchain -- Applications of Blockchain in Communication Networks -- Network Layer for Blockchain systems -- Consensus Algorithms, Mining, and Block Validation -- Distributed Ledger Architectures -- Smart Contracts -- Design & Implementation of Blockchain -- Security & Privacy Issues of Blockchain -- Conclusion.

This book provides extensive insights on blockchain systems, starting from a historical perspective and moving towards building foundational knowledge, with focus on communication networks. It covers blockchain applications, algorithms, architectures, design and implementation, and security and privacy issues, providing the reader with a comprehensive overview. Further, it discusses blockchain systems and its integration to communication networks. The book includes hands-on, practical tutorials, self-assessment exercises, and review questions; tips and sample programs are also provided throughout. Complementary supporting material for instructors, including open source programming code for practical tutorials and exercises, is also available. The target audience includes graduate students, professionals, and researchers working in the areas of blockchain systems, distributed ledger technology, computer networks and communications, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.