Credit-Based Relay Selection Algorithm Using Stackelberg Game

Public wireless networks usually comprise of self-interested users who are reluctant to cooperate with other users of the network unless and until they are provided with some incentives. This paper presents a new incentive-based relay selection algorithm, which motivates the self-interested in-range mobile users to act as relays providing network access to the out-of-range users, thus extending the coverage range of a wireless network. The new Credit-based Relay Selection (CRS) algorithm uses Stackelberg game employing a credit-based incentive mechanism, providing instantaneous as well as long-term benefit to the selfish in-range users. In addition to this, the CRS algorithm takes into account both the achievable data rate at the out-of-range user and fair consumption of battery power of in-range user as the relay selection criteria. Simulation results presented in this paper show that when the CRS algorithm is used for relay selection, it is advantageous even for the self-interested in-range users to participate in the relaying process to earn some benefit to utilize it when they move outside the transmission range of access point and need to buy assistance from other users. The CRS algorithm also provides better data rate to the out-of-range users as well as fair utilization of battery power of the in-range users compared to a default algorithm which uses Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR) as relay selection criterion

Joint Head Selection and Airtime Allocation for Data Dissemination in Mobile Social Networks

Mobile social networks (MSNs) enable people with similar interests to interact without Internet access. By forming a temporary group, users can disseminate their data to other interested users in proximity with short-range communication technologies. However, due to user mobility, airtime available for users in the same group to disseminate data is limited. In addition, for practical consideration, a star network topology among users in the group is expected. For the former, unfair airtime allocation among the users will undermine their willingness to participate in MSNs. For the latter, a group head is required to connect other users. These two problems have to be properly addressed to enable real implementation and adoption of MSNs. To this aim, we propose a Nash bargaining-based joint head selection and airtime allocation scheme for data dissemination within the group. Specifically, the bargaining game of joint head selection and airtime allocation is first formulated. Then, Nash bargaining solution (NBS) based optimization problems are proposed for a homogeneous case and a more general heterogeneous case. For both cases, the existence of solution to the optimization problem is proved, which guarantees Pareto optimality and proportional fairness. Next, an algorithm, allowing distributed implementation, for join head selection and airtime allocation is introduced. Finally, numerical results are presented to evaluate the performance, validate intuitions and derive insights of the proposed scheme

A Comprehensive Survey of Potential Game Approaches to Wireless Networks

Potential games form a class of non-cooperative games where unilateral improvement dynamics are guaranteed to converge in many practical cases. The potential game approach has been applied to a wide range of wireless network problems, particularly to a variety of channel assignment problems. In this paper, the properties of potential games are introduced, and games in wireless networks that have been proven to be potential games are comprehensively discussed.Comment: 44 pages, 6 figures, to appear in IEICE Transactions on Communications, vol. E98-B, no. 9, Sept. 201