The topologies of cooperation in knowledge intensive multi-agent systems

Agents in a multiagent system (MAS) could cooperate in many different ways. The topology of agent cooperation determines how the agents control and communicate with each other, what are the control and communication capabilities of each agent, and how efficient the control and communications are. The topology affects the agents' ability to share knowledge, integrate knowledge, and make efficient use of knowledge in MAS. We first present an overview of three major MAS topologic models, assesses their advantages and disadvantages in terms of agent autonomy, adaptation, scalability, and efficiency of cooperation. A fourth model of topology is then introduced that combines some of the features of previous models. A design example applying the new model for information service management is presented.