| Wireless networks are growing increasingly less structured, adopting many of the characteristics of ad-hoc networks. However, the dynamic interactions arising in these networks make it difficult to analyze and predict performance, inhibiting the development of wireless technologies.
A collaborative team consisting of Jeffrey Reed, Luiz DaSilva, Allen MacKenzie, Annamalai Annamalai, and Rob Gilles (Economics) is exploring the application of game theory to the analysis of these adaptive networks, particularly in relation to distributed power control, adaptive interference avoidance, adaptive MAC strategies, network formation, and node participation.
This research has produced techniques for identifying when broad classes of algorithms will have a steady state and the conditions under which convergent behavior can be expected. The work is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, Motorola, the IREAN program, and MPRG affiliates.
Game theory & node behavior
Nodes in a mobile ad hoc network are required to make decentralized decisions, and resource management mechanisms should offer appropriate incentives for the nodes to behave in ways that are constructive to the network as a whole. ECE researchers are applying Game Theory to develop analytical models of node behavior and predict the impact of different protocols and policies on that behavior.
|
