Delay tolerant lazy release consistency for distributed shared memory in opportunistic networks

Opportunistic networks (ONs) allow mobile wireless devices to interact with one another through a series of opportunistic contacts. While ONs exploit mobility of devices to route messages and distribute information, the intermittent connections among devices make many traditional computer collaboration paradigms, such as distributed shared memory (DSM), very difficult to realize. DSM systems, developed for traditional networks, rely on relatively stable, consistent connections among participating nodes to function properly.We propose a novel delay tolerant lazy release consistency (DTLRC) mechanism for implementing distributed shared memory in opportunistic networks. DTLRC permits mobile devices to remain independently productive while separated, and provides a mechanism for nodes to regain coherence of shared memory if and when they meet again. DTLRC allows applications to utilize the most coherent data available, even in the challenged environments typical to opportunistic networks. Simulations demonstrate that DTLRC is a viable concept for enhancing cooperation among mobile wireless devices in opportunistic networking environment.