Feedback control loops that monitor and adapt managed parts of a software system are considered crucial for realizing self-adaptation in software systems. The MAPE-K (Monitor-Analyze-Plan-Execute over a shared Knowledge) autonomic control loop is the most influential reference control model for self-adaptive systems. The design of complex distributed self-adaptive systems having decentralized adaptation control by multiple interacting MAPE components is among the major challenges. In particular, formal methods for designing and assuring the functional correctness of the decentralized adaptation logic are highly demanded. This article presents a framework for formal modeling and analyzing self-adaptive systems. We contribute with a formalism, called self-adaptive Abstract State Machines, that exploits the concept of multiagent Abstract State Machines to specify distributed and decentralized adaptation control in terms of MAPE-K control loops, also possible instances of MAPE patterns. We support validation and verification techniques for discovering unexpected interfering MAPE-K loops, and for assuring correctness of MAPE components interaction when performing adaptation. CCS Concepts: r General and reference → Validation; Verification; r Software and its engineering → Additional Key Words and Phrases: Self-adaptation, MAPE-K loop, MAPE pattern, abstract state machines, formal modeling and analysis, functional requirements assurance ACM Reference Format: Paolo Arcaini, Elvinia Riccobene, and Patrizia Scandurra. 2016. Formal design and verification of selfadaptive systems with decentralized control.
For instance, Arcaini et al. propose in REF , an ASM model for analyzing MAPE-K loops of self-adapting systems that follow a decentralized architecture.
Formal Design and Verification of Self-Adaptive Systems with Decentralized Control
TAAS
Computer Science