Agent Technology for Communication Infrastructures

The text intersects the convergence between distributed Artificial Intelligence (agents) and telecommunications and demonstrates the increased capabilities of agents that are not currently achievable using traditional standards-based network signalling. Communications systems continue to grow: physically and in terms of the services offered by the providers. Consequently there is a need for more sophisticated software systems. Agent-based computing, and in particular research into multi-agent systems, is leading the way in the development of techniques to address the variety of needs associated with these new technologies: for example, languages and protocols for communication, frameworks for negotiation and platforms which allow mobile processes to operate remotely. Agent Technology for Communication Infrastructures covers all these issues and more. Introduces software agent philosophy and underlines the need for more radical approaches to communications systems design and design methodology Includes results from recent research in the new state-of-the-art technology within its application to the communications industry Illustrates the diversity of communications applications using agent technology Demonstrates the increased capabilities of agents that are not currently achievable using traditional standards-based network signaling With contributions from leading authorities in the field covering a wide range of issues, it targets practitioners at advanced level, researchers in agent technology and communications along with postgraduate students in electronic engineering and computer science.