Agents´ Coordination in Ad-hoc Networks

In this paper we are interested in solving the problems of continuity of service using a Multiagent System (MAS) deployed on Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANETs). We investigate the aspects of mobility and the losses it costs in terms of continuity of service. The aim of this research is the development of agents´ coordination protocols for these highly dynamic environments like MANETs. One of the difficulties in MANETs is the spontaneous mobility of nodes, especially when devices with limited resources are used. All the constraints of agents´ development thus have to be re-examined in order to be adapted to these situations. In this paper, we propose two protocols Pessimistic Ad-hoc Coordination Protocol (PACP) and Optimistic Ad-hoc Coordination Protocol (OACP)) to provide coordination amongst the agents. In our considered ad-hoc scenario, the nodes represent the chargers and the wheelchairs upon which the intelligent agents are deployed. These protocols have been evaluated and tested using this scenario.