Experimental Evaluation of Different Pricing Mechanisms for Content Distribution over Peer to Peer Networks

This paper extends previous work by the authors in which they propose a dynamic distribution model based on modified economic growth theory to determine file distribution patterns in peer-to-peer networks. Although the theoretical model provides a good foundation for exploring different pricing mechanisms for peer-to-peer networks, there are several issues that remain unexplored because of computational difficulties. In this paper, we use the methods of experimental economics to create a sequence of experimental designs to explore some of these issues. The designs mimic the structure of the industry, the type of current and future property rights, some technical constraints, and the strategic interactions between the different actors.