QoS Optimization for Mobile Ad Hoc Cloud: A Multi-Agent Independent Learning Approach

In the era of ubiquitous computing, offloading certain computing tasks to the mobile ad hoc cloud (MAHC) could help mobile devices reduce execution time. However, if multiple resource demanders (RDs) offload tasks to the MAHC without a proper scheduling policy, it may cause unbalanced load distribution among resource providers (RPs), which will affect the overall quality of service (QoS). To this end, in this paper, we propose a multi-agent independent learning approach aiming to optimize the QoS of MAHC. Firstly, for the distributed MAHC, we formulate the QoS optimization model as a non-cooperative game, where each RD competes for maximizing its own utility. Secondly, based on the potential game theory, we prove the existence of Nash equilibrium. A multi-agent independent learning algorithm is then proposed to obtain the equilibrium points, and the convergence of this algorithm is analyzed. Simulation results confirm that the proposed approach helps balance the load distribution and enhances the QoS of MAHC.