Microeconomic Theory Applied to Distributed Systems
David Clarke, Brendan Tangney · 1993
This report explores how well-known techniques from micro-economics can be used to interpret and solve aspects of resource allocation problems in distributed systems. The principle features of the relevant economic theory are described before the report goes on to investigate how the theory can be used to solve an instance of the load balancing problem in a distributed system. 1 Introduction The idea of modelling entities which compete for scarce resources in a distributed system as an instantiation of a free market is an intuitively appealing one as it provides a straightforward and well-understood chassis upon which to base an approach to resource allocation problems. In this report some basic theory from micro-economics is outlined. It is then shown how that economic theory can be mapped onto a distributed system. As a concrete example of the mapping in action an instance of the load balancing problem is solved. The layout of the report is as follows. Firstly a more detailed ration...