A Multi-Agent Placement System for Virtual Network Functions in a Cloud-Based Architecture

This paper introduces a multi-agent system to enhance virtual network functions placement. The suggested system consists of a number of proactive agents aiming at providing a virtual network functions configuration depending on the state of the environment. Some of these agents are developed to determine an adequate target configuration based on available information and after a negotiation interaction; while other agents are designed to perceive the environment, as well as to act as managers in the decision process. The communication and the cooperation of these agents allow efficient placement of virtual network functions on distributed data-centers, possibly using multiple agent platforms. The results have demonstrated that our approach can enhance the solution by providing an adequate and automatic configuration without the intervention of any human decision-maker.