Communication in a Multi-Agent System Using WCF

Abstract

In the previous chapter, we examined the basics of multi-agent systems (MAS) and got acquainted with concepts like MAS platform, coordination, cooperation, and communication. In this chapter, we will describe an application that uses Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) to create a network of agents capable of interacting with and passing messages among each other. This application will use the Publisher/Subscriber design pattern to set up the communication component that every agent in the MAS will incorporate. We will use the application described throughout this chapter again in the next chapter, adapting it as the communication module of every agent in an MAS consisting of cleaning agents whose task is cleaning a room of its dirt.