BarterCell: an Agent-based Bartering Service for Users of Pocket Computing Devices

On behalf of nomadic users and through the use of computing pocket devices, agents can efficiently operate in wireless networks, cooperate to resolve complex tasks and negotiate to reach agreements while attempting to maximize their utilities. However, the negotiation protocols intelligent agents use are hardly considering several of the requirements evolved after the increasing reliance on mobility. In this paper we present a new negotiation protocol that avoids the use of mediating agents and applies a voting-like mechanism to handle service requests of nomadic users in wireless networks. We examine our approach in a scenario where it is essential for a multi-agent system to establish a chain of mutually attracted agents seeking to fulfill different bartering desires. We compare the results obtained with those produced after using an adjusted version of the Strategic Negotiation Model.