Although individual node cooperation is necessary for the correct execution of network protocols in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), it is not always guaranteed. In this paper, we present a node reputation scheme aiming at reinforcing node cooperation in MANETs with centralized control. This scheme was designed for centralized ad hoc network architecture (CANA), an ad hoc enhancement to the HIPERLAN/2 WLAN standard. Misbehavior detection techniques for protocol attacks in both the cluster formation and data transmission phases of the network operation are developed. Statistical methods for selecting the optimal parameters of the reputation scheme are investigated and their efficiency is illustrated through theoretical analysis and simulation results. Throughout this paper, the specific aspects of CANA that impose particular design decisions are outlined and the applicability of our scheme to other network architectures is discussed.