Credit-Based Ad Hoc Network Incentive System
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh/ad hoc networks face inefficiencies due to nodes refusing to forward packets, leading to packet loss and degraded quality of service, particularly when traffic is low or high, resulting in unfair resource allocation and wasted energy.
Innovation Solution
A credit-based system is introduced to incentivize nodes to forward packets, where credits are allocated based on supply and demand of network resources, including battery life, communication interference, security, and community acceptance, optimizing packet routing and minimizing unnecessary packet drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nodes forward packets for other nodes in ad hoc networks, then network throughput and connectivity are improved, but nodes with low traffic or limited resources experience unfair resource allocation and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of incentive allocation from static to dynamic by introducing a supply-and-demand based credit system. The incentive parameter (credit allocation rate) is adjusted according to real-time network conditions, node traffic patterns, and resource availability, thereby optimizing the balance between network throughput and energy consumption across different nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nodes report their traffic patterns, resource status, and forwarding performance to the network. This feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust credit allocation rates and routing decisions, ensuring that nodes with low traffic or limited resources receive appropriate incentives while preventing energy waste from unnecessary packet forwarding
2Ease of operation
If a simple counter-based credit system is used to incentivize packet forwarding, then node cooperation is stimulated, but the system cannot support policy-based decisions or adapt to changing resource availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static counter-based credit system into a dynamic incentive system that continuously adapts to changing network conditions. The credit allocation rate is dynamically adjusted based on supply-and-demand analysis, node resource availability, and traffic patterns, enabling the system to support diverse policy-based decisions while maintaining node cooperation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the credit system into multiple independent components: credit generation based on packet forwarding, credit consumption based on traffic patterns, and dynamic adjustment based on supply-and-demand analysis. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently while contributing to the overall adaptability and policy-based decision-making capability
3Reliability
If nodes are located in areas with low traffic, then they have limited forwarding opportunities, but they are discriminated against and prevented from sending their own packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (dynamic credit allocation system) that mediates between nodes with low traffic and the network's packet forwarding needs. The system acts as a mediator by allocating credits based on supply-and-demand analysis, ensuring that nodes in low-traffic areas receive fair incentives to send their own packets without being discriminated against, while maintaining overall network reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A system (100) and method (300) for mesh/ad hoc participation is provided. The method can include providing (310) an incentive to a user operating a device in an ad hoc network and determining (320) network resources associated with providing the incentive. The method can establish a credit system for devices within the ad hoc network, evaluate a supply and demand for the network resources, and allocate credits to the devices for forwarding packets in the ad hoc network. The method can determine a delivery capacity for the devices and negotiate an optimal packet route through the devices in the ad hoc network based on the supply and demand.