A multi-agent channel allocation scheme for cellular mobile networks

Techniques for increasing the efficiency of channel usage in cellular networks are needed to handle the heterogeneity of services and bit rates to be supported in the forthcoming third generation of mobile communications. Therefore, resource flexibility is essential to handle the limited frequency spectrum available for network operators. This paper proposes a new scheme to improve the performance and flexibility of channel assignment by using a multi-agent system. The agent architecture adopted is able to provide greater autonomy to the base stations and allows co-operation and negotiation among them. Simulation results shown in the paper demonstrate the need to use something more flexible than purely a reactive algorithm