Quantum Game Application to Recovery Problem in Mobile Database

Abstract

Mobile Computing (MC) is a relatively new concept in the world of distributed computing that is rapidly gaining traction. Due to the dynamic nature of mobility and the limited bandwidth available on wireless networks, this new computing environment for mobile devices presents significant challenges in terms of fault-tolerant system development. As a consequence, traditional fault-tolerance techniques are inherently inapplicable to these systems. External circumstances often expose mobile systems to failures in communication or data storage. In this article, a quantum game theory-based recovery model is proposed in the case of a mobile host’s failure. Several of the state-of-the-art recovery protocols are selected and analyzed in order to identify the most important variables influencing the recovery mechanism, such as the number of processes, the time needed to send messages, and the number of messages logged-in time. Quantum game theory is then adapted to select the optimal recovery method for the given environment variables using the proposed utility matrix of three players. Game theory is the study of mathematical models of situations in which intelligent rational decision-makers face conflicting interests (alternative recovery procedures). The purpose of this study is to present an adaptive algorithm based on quantum game theory for selecting the most efficient context-aware computing recovery procedure. The transition from a classical to a quantum domain is accomplished in the proposed model by treating strategies as a Hilbert space rather than a discrete set and then allowing for the existence of linear superpositions between classical strategies; this naturally increases the number of possible strategic choices available to each player from a numerable to a continuous set. Numerical data are provided to demonstrate feasibility.

Keywords

• mobile computing
• quantum game theory
• decision making
• mobile database recovery