An improved quorum selection algorithm (IQSA). (c2007)

Abstract

As communication becomes more and more an integral part of our day to day lives, so our need to access information increases as well. Mobility is currently one of the most important factors to consider in our aim to achieve ubiquitous computing, and with it rises the problem of how to manipulate data while maintaining consistency and integrity. Recent years have seen tremendous interest in quorum systems adapted to mobile hosts; however, the more recent topic, of studying the effects of mobile networks on quorum systems, has also been the focus of interest for building quorums aware of their network surroundings. This thesis presents a novel approach in selecting mobile hosts to form epidemic quorum coteries, based on metrics measured by mobile hosts and then transmitted to Base Station servers. The BS constantly maintains a vigil on the state of these mobile hosts to provide higher quorum availability and ultimately higher data accessibility, better integrity and consistency.