Constrained Coalitional Games and Networks for Autonomous Agents

Constrained Coalitional Games and Networks for Autonomous Agents

Title : Constrained Coalitional Games and Networks for Autonomous Agents
Authors :
Baras, John S.

Conference : Inter-Perf 2008: Workshop on Interdisciplinary Systems Approach in Performance Evaluation and Design of Computer & Communication Systems
Date: October 24 - October 24, 2008

In this talk we develop a unifying analytical and optimization framework for the design, operation and performance evaluation of networks of autonomous agents. The fundamental view is that agents in such a network are dynamic entities that collaborate because via collaboration they can accomplish objectives and goals much better than working alone, or even accomplish objectives that they cannot achieve alone at all. Yet the benefits derived from such collaboration require some costs (or expenditures), for example due to communications. Or in equivalent terms, the collaboration is subject to constraints (could also be dynamic). Understanding and quantifying this tradeoff between the benefits vs the costs of collaboration, leads to new methods that can be used to analyze, design and control/operate networks of agents. Multiple metrics for benefits and costs can be considered within this framework. We present results on the significant effects of network topology on performance. In all cases distributed and partially asynchronous algorithms and solutions using local information are emphasized.

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