A topological description language for agent networks

Abstract

Existing multi-agent systems lack a comprehensive methodology for agents to perceive the structures of a network, which they are residing in. This problem obstructs efficient agent communication and transmission within a multi-agent system. The demand for an efficient mechanism allowing an agent to sense other agents' locations has been growing substantially, since agents are mobile and cooperative entities. In this paper, we propose a new Topological Description Language for Agent networks, namely TDLA, to provide agents with the capability of understanding their environment. TDLA helps an agent perceive the network structure that it resides in. It adopts traditional topological analysis methods for local area networks and further tailored for agent networks. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.