Coupon based incentive systems and the implications of equilibrium theory

"Coupons " is an incentive scheme that gives users credit for forwarding information to other users over wireless, potentially ad hoc networks. Having previously performed an initial evaluation of the main characteristics, this paper first examines how this idea works in more complex, hybrid networks and then focuses on the effects of user behavior on system performance. By considering implications of game theory concepts, such as evolutionary stable strategies, particular emphasis is given on how we can reasonably constrain behavior to a range of values, all of which result in good system performance. Results show that by developing and validating effective incentive systems, we can greatly improve the ability to efficiently disseminate information to users throughout the evolving Internet.