A security-aware load balancing algorithm for structured P2P systems based on ant colony optimization

In DHT-based P2P systems, the use of DHT and the heterogeneity of node capacities can cause a load imbalance problem, which may affect the DHT system efficiency. Many solutions have been proposed to tackle the load balancing issue. However, the convergence rate is still low, and they reassign loads among nodes without considering security factor. This paper proposes a security-aware load balancing algorithm based on Ant colony optimization, and designs a candidate nodes discovery mechanism and a target nodes selection mechanism. Two types of agents are cooperating to realize these mechanisms: Search ant and Guide ant. Performance evaluation shows that, compared to the classical algorithms, the load balancing effect of the proposed algorithm is insignificant, while the convergence rate and load balancing security are significantly raised; In addition, this paper analysis how system and algorithm parameters affect the performance of proposed algorithm in depth.