An agent-based service brokering architecture for multiservice next-generation networks

This paper describes how advanced distributed software techniques based on agent technology can be used to provide brokering within a complex service delivery environment in order to deliver services to end users in a consist ent and simple manner. It also describes the benefits of separating and dis tributing service control from service transport in next-generation network s (NGN), a principle inspired by the MSF architecture. An agent-based multi service platform, called Agent Enhanced Service Portal (AESP), has been des igned and a prototype implemented to control broadband service sessions in Fujitsu's NGN testbed. The prototype has been implemented using a web compu ting platform enhanced with agent technology called Phoenix. It consists of five service providers offering high speed Internet access, Voice over IP (VolP), Video on Demand (VoD), streamed video and games services delivered over a broadband core and access network. A description of this novel platf orm and its related technologies is presented in this paper, highlighting t he suitability of agent technology to provide brokering facilities and dist ributed control in NGN.