A method of performing transactions in accordance with fairness criteria is provided wherein one of a plurality of entities initiates a transaction on an object at a database. One particular power distribution system has a control unit that is mounted proximate a rack including a power input for receiving power from a power source located outside the rack. A hole is defined in a corresponding side wall of the housing. In some cases, the devices may be in the form of autonomous vehicles which can collaboratively sense, identify, or classify a number of sources or targets concurrently. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the communications module is further operable to send additional packets of the plurality of packets at a predetermined rate, until each of the plurality of packets has been sent to the terminal unit.