Blockchain Network Sharing Incentive Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are hesitant to share their network connections due to potential drawbacks such as battery drain, reduced bandwidth, and increased costs, and there is a need for a solution that builds user reputation and provides adequate Quality of Service (QoS) while protecting privacy.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-based system that enables users to securely and anonymously record their network sharing activities, allowing them to acquire credits for better QoS and enabling reputation building across multiple ISPs, with tamper-proof data storage and anonymous profile creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users share their network connection with client devices, then network resource utilization is improved, but users experience battery drain and reduced bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where users receive credits based on their network sharing activity recorded in the blockchain. These credits can be redeemed for QoS improvements, creating a closed-loop system that compensates users for the energy and bandwidth they consume while sharing, thus resolving the contradiction between network utilization and user cost
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain-based reputation system allows users to automatically track and verify their own sharing history and earned credits without manual intervention. Users can autonomously manage their sharing preferences, set bandwidth limits, and redeem credits for QoS, reducing the need for continuous user involvement while maintaining control over their resource consumption
2Productivity
If users share their network connection, then network resource utilization is improved, but users face increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where users receive credits based on their network sharing activity recorded in the blockchain. These credits can be redeemed for QoS improvements, creating a closed-loop system that compensates users for the energy and bandwidth they consume while sharing, thus resolving the contradiction between network utilization and user cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the economic parameters of network sharing by introducing a credit economy where costs are converted into redeemable credits. This transforms the cost structure from a direct loss to a potential asset that can be leveraged for service quality improvements, making the cost-benefit analysis more favorable for users
3Productivity
If users share their network connection, then network resource utilization is improved, but user privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blockchain acts as an intermediary that enables network sharing tracking without requiring users to expose their personal information. The system records sharing activities and calculates reputation scores on the blockchain without storing or transmitting users' private data, thus mediating between network utilization needs and privacy protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of sharing activity data on the blockchain that serves as proof of usage without requiring access to the original personal information. Users can verify their sharing history and earned credits through these immutable records without exposing sensitive personal details, separating the verification function from personal data
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus comprising means for participating in a handshake process with a client device, the handshake process relating to sharing of a network connection with the client device, responsive to the handshake process being successful, sharing the network connection with the client device, the network connection being to a service provider of the apparatus, and after the sharing ends, recording information relating to the sharing in a blockchain.