Ternary trust metric for mobile ad-hoc networks

In this paper we describe a behavioral state classifier employing a three-factor node reliability measure based upon inferred Ability, Integrity, and Benevolence (AIB) to assess node reliability. In contrast to typical scalar measures, this multi-metric index creates a reliability space that is more descriptive and in which distinctions can be drawn between node behaviors ranging from small deviations in expected performance to signatures of hostile intent. We further demonstrate that a reliability or trust metric should be informative enough to differentiate between malicious behavior and behavior exhibited by nodes that are misconfigured or dropping packets due to insufficient resources to service messages.