Components Interoperability through Mediating Connector Patterns

TL;DR

This paper introduces a set of architectural patterns, including Mediating Connector and Basic Mediator Patterns, to facilitate dynamic, automated interoperability among heterogeneous components in evolving environments.

Contribution

It presents a novel architectural pattern framework for enabling on-the-fly interoperability between diverse system components.

Findings

Design of Mediating Connector pattern for interoperability

Set of Basic Mediator Patterns for common mismatches

Framework supports automated, dynamic component interaction

Abstract

A key objective for ubiquitous environments is to enable system interoperability between system's components that are highly heterogeneous. In particular, the challenge is to embed in the system architecture the necessary support to cope with behavioral diversity in order to allow components to coordinate and communicate. The continuously evolving environment further asks for an automated and on-the-fly approach. In this paper we present the design building blocks for the dynamic and on-the-fly interoperability between heterogeneous components. Specifically, we describe an Architectural Pattern called Mediating Connector, that is the key enabler for communication. In addition, we present a set of Basic Mediator Patterns, that describe the basic mismatches which can occur when components try to interact, and their corresponding solutions.