Rate allocation games in multiuser multimedia communications

In this study, the authors study a game-theoretic framework for the problem of multiuser rate allocation in multimedia communications. The authors consider the multimedia users to be autonomous, that is, they are selfish and behave strategically. The authors propose a rate allocation framework based on a pricing mechanism to prevent the selfish users from manipulating the network bandwidth by untruthfully representing their demands. The pricing mechanism is used for message exchange between the users and the network controller. The messages represent network-aware rate demands and corresponding prices. The authors show that a Nash equilibrium can be obtained, according to which the controller generates allocations that are efficient, budget balanced and satisfy voluntary participation. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed framework.