Mario Kusek

A self-optimizing mobile network: Auto-tuning the network with firefly-synchronized agents

The reduction of cost and complexity is a key driver in the evolution of mobile networks. This reduction not only applies to the pre-operational state (e.g. the deployment phase of a new network), but to the operational state as well. During the operational state, self-optimization processes can be performed to reduce the operating expenses (OPEX) of telecommunications operators. In this paper, we propose an agent-based mechanism for auto-tuning mobile networks with the aim of achieving energy savings in access networks. Firefly-based synchronization is used for the coordination of mutually dependent software agents located at the operators base stations. Once synchronized, agents can act together to obtain a global goal - i.e. the reduction of the telecommunications operators costs without reducing the quality of the provided services for mobile users. These agents build a self-organized overlay network where neither centralized nor decentralized control is needed and, therefore, is more robust.

Mobile agent based software operation and maintenance

The paper deals with a mobile agent based software operation and maintenance. Remote maintenance shell is described as the protected environment allowing software installation, modification and verification on the remote target system, without suspending its regular operation. It is based on the remote operations performed by mobile agents. Multiagent system with collaborative mobile agents, supporting software maintenance, and its architecture are elaborated. Remote maintenance shell implementation in one maintenance session is included.

Agent team coordination in the mobile agent network

The paper deals with coordination of an agent team with mobile agents. A formal model based on the Mobile Agent Network is proposed. It elaborates a shared plan through the process that allows team formation according to tasks complexity and characteristics of a distributed environment where they should be performed. A case study describing the multi-agent system with mobile and intelligent agents for software management is included.

Improving software maintenance by using agent-based remote maintenance shell

The paper deals with a method developed for software maintenance called remote maintenance shell. It allows software installation, modification and verification on the remote target system without suspending its regular operation. The method is based on remote operations performed by mobile agents. The role of remote maintenance shell in software maintenance is elaborated, as well as its architecture. A case study on version replacement of an object-oriented application is included.

Communication in machine-to-machine environments

It has been estimated that by the end of 2020 there will be 50 billion connected devices in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) networks. Such projections should encourage us to deal with the corresponding problems in heterogeneous M2M systems. First of all, devices can communicate through different access technologies (e.g. wireline, 2G/3G, WiFi, Bluetooth) and their communication can be classified as direct or indirect, internal or external. In this paper we explain differences between those types of communication and propose a new identification scheme that allows M2M devices to establish communication in every possible way. Secondly, there is a problem of device hardware and software diversity. To over-come this problem, we propose the usage of the Open Service Gateway Initiative (OSGi) framework.

COLLABORATIVE URBAN COMPUTING: SERENDIPITOUS COOPERATION BETWEEN USERS IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Recent technical advancements in computing devices and communication networks, combined with changes in the way people use information and communication technology (ICT) systems, have transformed the ICT industry. In this article, we present the collaborative urban computing (CUC) paradigm, which supports serendipitous cooperation between a set of users physically located in an urban environment and all sharing a common goal. Advantages and disadvantages of the CUC paradigm are elaborated on a proof-of-concept CUC service, which we call collaborative downloading.

Extending the JADE agent behaviour model with JBehaviourTrees Framework

Creating modular behaviours in JADE using a traditional method such as the FSM (Finite State Machine) can be a difficult task to achieve. The first issue with FSMs is that they do not allow reusability of logic in different contexts. Secondly, the FSMs do not lend themselves well to concurrency within the execution thread and thus eliminating the possibility for parallel behaviours. Lastly, as the number of states in FSMs becomes increasing large, it becomes difficult to manage them. In this paper we introduce our JBehaviourTrees Framework that extends JADE Behaviours with BTs (Behaviour Trees) model. BTs are built via the composition of basic tasks increasing the possibility for modularity and code reuse. The proposed approach is verified through a case study concerning a FIPA-Request Interaction Protocol.

Simulation of Mobile Agent Network

This paper deals with an event based multi-agent system simulator. Agents in the simulator are based on the mobile agent network formal model. The paper explains parts of the simulator such as operations, agents, nodes, network elements, etc. and how they work. In order to verify the simulation results, they were compared with the performance characteristics of a real multi-agent system, called the remote maintenance shell, measured in a laboratory.

Grid Service Management by Using Remote Maintenance Shell

This paper presents a method called Remote Maintenance Shell (RMS) developed for Grid service management. It allows service management and maintenance of several versions without suspending its regular operation. The method is based on the remote operations performed by mobile agents. The RMS prototype implemented as a multi-agent system with stationary and mobile multi-operation agents is elaborated. A case study of monitoring service managing in the Grid system is included.

Teamwork coordination in large-scale mobile agent networks

This paper deals with multi-agent systems coordinated via teamwork in large-scale networks. A formal model based on the Fragmented Mobile Agent Network is proposed. An agent team is described as a knowledge-based system that includes subteams consisting of coordination agents and mobile subteam members organised according to a predefined subteam coordination plan. A case study considering a scenario in which multi-operation teamwork agents upgrade software employed in a Grid network was conducted. A performance analysis based on simulations of networks with different fragment sizes and subteam coordination plans is presented.