Title: Using contracts to induce cooperation in large scale P2P communication networks: algorithms, stability and applications

Authors: Bridge Q. Zhao; John C.S. Lui

Addresses: Computer Science & Engineering Department, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong ' Computer Science & Engineering Department, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong

Abstract: Embedding incentive mechanisms into networking applications (e.g., P2P) is becoming more important for large-scale networking applications since incentive mechanisms can encourage nodes, either end hosts or routers, to cooperate so as to provide a high performance and scalable service. In this paper, we consider a new and novel paradigm of using 'contract' (e.g., an agreement between two communicating parties) to encourage and maintain cooperation. We formally define the notion of contract in a network setting and illustrate its dynamics. We formally show under what conditions a 'balanced' and 'stable' contract can be formed so all participating nodes will have the incentive to contribute. We also propose both centralised and distributed algorithms to find and implement a stable and balanced contract with fairness and security constraints. To illustrate, we show how contracts can be applied to P2P-VoD systems and ISPs networks. In summary, contract can serve as a new genre of incentive mechanism for large scale networking applications.

Keywords: incentive protocols; P2P networks; peer-to-peer networks; communication networks; contracts; cooperation; fairness; network security; VoD; video-on-demand; large scale networking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCNDS.2012.047896

International Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems, 2012 Vol.9 No.1/2, pp.62 - 81

Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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