Abstract
Distributed systems, particularly in IoT, require robust privacy-preserving authentication mechanisms to address increasing concerns about data security and integrity. Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) have emerged as a promising solution to balance security, privacy, and efficiency. This paper reviews and compares state-of-the-art ZKP protocols, focusing on their suitability for decentralized, resource-constrained environments. We propose a comprehensive evaluation framework and apply it to zk-SNARK, zk-STARK, and Bulletproof protocols, analyzing metrics such as scalability, efficiency, and proof size. Our findings provide actionable insights into the trade-offs between these protocols, offering guidance for their application in IoT systems.