Modelling incentives for collaboration in mobile ad hoc networks

Abstract

This paper explores a model for the operation of an ad hoc mobile network. The model incorporates incentives for users to act as transit nodes on multi-hop paths and to be rewarded with their own ability to send traffic. The paper explores consequences of the model by means of fluid-level simulations of a network and illustrates the way in which network resources are allocated to users according to their geographical position. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.