Multi-Agent Systems as a Platform for VANETs

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) are MANETs (Mobile Ad-hoc Networks) in which the network nodes are primarily located in vehicles. VANETs are a compelling application of ad-hoc networks, because of the potential to access specific context information (e.g. traffic conditions, service updates, route planning) and deliver multimedia services (VoIP, in-car entertainment, instant messaging, etc.). They also offer a potential replacement for fixed-line networks and finesse the problem of limited power in MANETs based on, e.g. PDAs, mobile phones, laptops, etc. However, other MANET problems persist, most importantly the timely self-organization required to respond to a highly dynamic network topology. In this paper, we propose a vehicular information ad-hoc network that consists of threetier network architecture using Multi-Agent System (MAS) technology. The proposed scheme provides flexibility, adaptability and maintainability for traffic information dissemination in VANETs as well as supporting robust and agile network management.