Distributed topology control in ad-hoc networks: a game theoretic perspective
Ramakant S. Komali, Allen B. MacKenzie · 2006
This paper examines the problem of topology con- trol in wireless ad-hoc networks. The purpose of topology control is to assign per-node optimal transmission power such that the resulting topology satisfies certain global properties such as connectivity. Due to the multi-hop nature of ad-hoc networks, establishing network connectivity may require nodes to use their power resources to service other nodes. Since nodes have limited power they may act selfishly in order to minimize their power (energy) consumption. Game theory is a suitable tool to analyze the conflicting objectives of nodes seeking to achieve an energy- efficient and connected network in the presence of selfish nodes. We present example topology control games and a distributed best response algorithm that together can guarantee convergence to steady state networks satisfying the dual topology control objectives. As a precursor, we analyze formation of a topology that results when nodes interact with each other. In particular, we provide a game theoretic framework for the topology control problem.