Design of a trust model for a secure multi-agent marketplace

Abstract

A general trust model and security framework for a multi- agent system designed to manage resources in future mobile communications networks is described. The multi- agent system is being developed as part of the IST SHUFFLE project [1]. A business model appropriate for selling of bandwidth resource and services is investigated and mechanisms to achieve a Global Trust Model is outlined. Our trust model for the marketplace is based on concentric spheres structure. The core of this model will be physical security. A security infrastructure is located in middle spheres: the internal and the external security infrastructure. In outer spheres we will use complex aspects of trust such as fairness, reliability, reputation and loyalty to provide a complete model of basic trust for marketplaces.