Architecture and implementation of an agent-based simulation tool for market-based pricing in Next-Generation Wireless Networks

Abstract

We present a generic, agent-based simulation environment for dynamic pricing in next-generation wireless networks. While a lot of effort has been put into simulation platforms for recreating the behaviour of IP-based traffic in fixed and wireless networks, no standard platform for simulating different pricing schemes in such networks has yet emerged. Our work is driven by the vision of a ubiquitous wireless network environment, in which users can dynamically request network resources for various use from different, potentially competing network providers. For such a scenario, new pricing approaches are needed to charge the user according to dynamic factors such as current congestion levels or the the number of customers present at a specific location. The developed simulation environment serves as a generic tool for implementing and testing different pricing approaches.