Incentives for P2P File Sharing in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

P2P overlay networks are a natural fit for MANETs because both are decentralized and have dynamic topologies. Most nodes in P2P file sharing networks are freeloaders, nodes that do not contribute to the network. In order to have a useful P2P network, it is important that nodes not only share files but also forward data. In this paper we present Incite, an incentive scheme for P2P file sharing over MANETs in which nodes cooperate with one another based on their reputation and energy levels. Simulation results show that Incite allows more file downloads than typical P2P networks, is fairer, and uses less energy per downloaded byte.