A survey of computational economics applied to computer networks

The perspective taken in this report is to provide background information on
recent efforts toward the convergence of computer science (both theoretical, dealing
with algorithm complexity, and applied, dealing with the implementation of
algorithms) and micro-economics techniques. We term computational economics
the science that explores the intersection of economics and computation. Similarly
to [33], our intent is to offer the tools for systems’ engineers to design algorithms
capable of supporting the desired system-wide goals taking into account the presence
of selfish elements. We take the stance that selfishness is an obstacle to system
designers goals and survey techniques such as payments and digital reputation, to
name a few, as a way to overcome this obstacle. We define a unified framework to
describe computational economics problems applied to computer networks.