A Density Mapping Algorithm for Supporting Cyber Foraging Service Networks

The finite wireless range and fixed location of service networks could render them unable to provide services in certain situations where a dense zone of users is created in the area. This could be in the event of a conference or a festival. Alternatively in extreme cases, the network may not be able to serve anyone at all in the case of a major power shutdown or network collapse. To deal with such situations, we propose to explore establishing a service network through cyber foraging when no service network is functioning properly in an area. To effectively establish a network based on cyber foraging, service nodes need to be placed at strategic points in the service area. This paper presents the first step in our approach. In this initial work, we present how to gather current information on users density in the area. The intended service area mapped with this information could help in identifying the strategic points to place service nodes to enable establishing a network through cyber foraging. We present a scanning algorithm that provides an approximate distribution of users within an area. This paper presents our approach, explains the algorithm in details and presents simulation results to show how the approach could be used.