On maximizing revenue for client-server based wireless data access in the presence of peer-to-peer sharing

We consider a wireless data access scenario where a centralized server provides data items to its clients with a fee. To reduce the total charges incurred, clients perform "peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing" - clients exchange data items at a lower cost. Specifically, P2P sharing cost is determined by two factors: energy and bandwidth. Neighboring clients share data objects among themselves if it is mutually beneficial. This would inevitably lead to reduced server's revenue. We investigate the effectiveness in using pricing as a strategy for the server to indirectly regulate the amount of P2P sharing. We propose an auction pricing mechanism that allows clients to bid for their desired data objects. Simulation results show that the proposed pricing strategy effectively deters sharing in lightly-loaded network while judiciously leverages sharing when the network is congested.