Management of peer-to-peer networks using reputation data
First Claim
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1. A method of operating a computer entity in a network of computer entities that communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, the method comprising operating a reputation management process for managing at least one other said computer entity of the network;
- the management process comprising;
(a) collecting a plurality of reputation data items, each reputation data item describing an aspect of operation of a said at least one other computer entity of said network;
(b) monitoring said plurality of reputation data items; and
(c) generating an alert message in response to changes in at least one said reputation data item.
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Abstract
A method of operating a computer entity in a peer-to-peer network is provided in which the computer entity carries out a reputation management process in which it collects reputation data items and uses them to monitor and manage at least one other said computer entity of said network. A computer entity for implementing this method is also disclosed.
142 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A method of operating a computer entity in a network of computer entities that communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, the method comprising operating a reputation management process for managing at least one other said computer entity of the network;
- the management process comprising;
(a) collecting a plurality of reputation data items, each reputation data item describing an aspect of operation of a said at least one other computer entity of said network;
(b) monitoring said plurality of reputation data items; and
(c) generating an alert message in response to changes in at least one said reputation data item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
- the management process comprising;
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11. A computer entity comprising:
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a computer platform capable of providing a set of resources including communication resources for communicating with other computer entities on a peer-to-peer basis; and
a reputation service component capable of providing a reputation service for monitoring quality of service parameters of at least one said other computer entity;
said reputation service component being arranged to;
collect a plurality of reputation data items each describing an aspect of operation of a said at least one other computer entity; and
generate an alert message in response to changes in at least one said reputation data item. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19)
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18. A data storage medium storing program data for operating a computer entity in a network of computer entities, said program data comprising instructions for causing said computer entity to:
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operate a peer-to-peer protocol for communicating with other computer entities of said network; and
perform a management process for management of at least one other said computer entity of said network, said management process comprising;
collecting a plurality of reputation data items, each reputation data item describing an aspect of operation of a said at least one other computer entity of said network;
monitoring said plurality of reputation data items; and
generating an alert message in response to changes in at least one said reputation data item.
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20. A method of operating a plurality of computer entities in a computer network, said plurality of computer entities interacting on a peer to peer basis, the method comprising:
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each said computer entity operating a peer to peer protocol allowing the computer entity to interact with at least one other said computer entity of said network;
at least one said computer entity of said network performing a management process comprising collecting reputation data from at least one other said computer entity of said network, said reputation data describing at least, one users perception of a performance parameter of one or more said. computer entities of said network. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of operating a computer entity, said method comprising the processes of:
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collecting reputation data from a plurality of computer entities in a peer to peer network;
the reputation data collected from each entity of said plurality describing a user'"'"'s perception of a performance parameter of one or more other computer entities of said network;
analyzing said reputation data to identify changes in reputation data for individual ones of said other computer entities;
upon determining a significant change in reputation data, generating a reputation message, said reputation message describing a reputation of said at least one other computer entity; and
sending said reputation message to at least one other computer entity of said network. - View Dependent Claims (28)
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29. A computer entity adapted for communication on a peer-to-peer basis with other computer entities and comprising:
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a data collection arrangement for collecting reputation data from a plurality of computer entities in a peer to peer network, the reputation data collected from each entity of said plurality describing a user'"'"'s perception of a performance parameter of one or more other computer entities of said network;
an analysis arrangement for analyzing said reputation data to identify changes in reputation data for individual ones of said other computer entities;
a message generation arrangement arranged to respond to the identification arrangement identifying a significant change in reputation data, by generating a reputation message describing a reputation of said at least one other computer entity; and
an output arrangement for sending said reputation message to at least one other computer entity of said network. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32)
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33. A method of operating a computer entity in a network of computer entities that communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, said method comprising:
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collecting reputation data about at least one other computer entity in said network;
monitoring said reputation data to detect changes in performance of said at least one other computer entity;
broadcasting a message describing said reputation data, or changes in reputation data, to other peer computer entities in said network; and
applying a voting protocol to determine a group action of a plurality of peer computer entities in respect of said at least one other computer entity about which said reputation data has been collected. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36)
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37. A computer entity adapted for communication on a peer-to-peer basis with other computer entities and comprising:
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a data collection arrangement for collecting reputation data about at least one other said computer entity;
a monitoring arrangement for monitoring said reputation data to detect changes in performance of said at least one other computer entity;
an output arrangement for sending a message describing said reputation data, or changes in reputation data, to peer computer entities; and
a voting arrangement for causing a voting protocol to be applied to determine a group action of a plurality of peer computer entities in respect of said at least one other computer entity about which said reputation data has been collected. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39)
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Specification