Reputation-based Telecommunication Network Selection

TL;DR

This paper explores a user-centric, attack-resistant system for sharing network quality and reputation information among mobile users to facilitate informed network selection.

Contribution

It proposes a novel approach for secure, decentralized sharing of network reputation data, addressing privacy and security concerns in multi-operator environments.

Findings

Initial design of a reputation sharing protocol

Analysis of attack resistance features

Potential for improved network selection decisions

Abstract

Nowadays, mobile users can switch between different available networks, for example, nearby WiFi networks or their standard mobile operator network. Soon it will be extended to other operators. However, unless telecommunication operators can directly benefit from allowing a user to switch to another operator, operators have an incentive to keep their network quality of service confidential to avoid that their users decide to switch to another network. In contrast, in a user-centric way, the users should be allowed to share their observations regarding the networks that they have used. In this paper, we present our work in progress towards attack-resistant sharing of quality of service information and network provider reputation among mobile users.