A Distributed Reputation Framework for Mitigating Free-Riding in Mobile Peer-to-Peer Networks

International Journal of Computer Science and Technology | Vol. 8, No. 8, July 2006 | pp. 57–64

DOI: 10.46882/2006/IJCST/080823

Research Article

Title: A Distributed Reputation Framework for Mitigating Free-Riding in Mobile Peer-to-Peer Networks

Names of Authors: Rajesh K. Sharma¹, Amina Yusuf²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Computer Science, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India; ²Department of Information Technology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract:
Free-riding poses a significant threat to the efficiency and stability of decentralized mobile peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. This paper presents a lightweight, distributed reputation framework designed to incentivize resource sharing among mobile nodes. The proposed protocol uses a localized trust-aggregation algorithm where nodes maintain cryptographic ledgers of historical transactions with immediate neighbors. The system mathematical model calculates a dynamic participation index (PI) for each terminal node based on data consumption versus contribution ratios. Network simulations with 150 mobile nodes moving within a 500m x 500m area show that the framework reduces the percentage of free-riders by 42.6% within T = 30 minutes of deployment. The overall network throughput increased by μ = 24.5%, while the messaging overhead required to exchange reputation vectors was limited to a nominal overhead of 3.8% ± 0.2% of the total available wireless channel bandwidth.

Keywords: Mobile P2P Networks, Free-Riding Mitigation, Reputation Systems, Distributed Trust, Wireless Throughput

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 10, 2006; Revised May 22, 2006; Accepted June 14, 2006; Published July 25, 2006

Citation: Sharma, R. K., & Yusuf, A. (2006). A Distributed Reputation Framework for Mitigating Free-Riding in Mobile Peer-to-Peer Networks. International Journal of Computer Science and Technology, 8(8), 57–64.

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