Dependability Tests Selection Based on the Concept of Layered Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a systematic method for selecting dependability tests in distributed systems by analyzing layered network structures to identify critical elements and their combinations for effective testing.

Contribution

It proposes a novel approach using layered networks to identify critical system components and their combinations for dependability testing, enhancing fault tolerance validation.

Findings

Identifies characteristic sets of critical system elements for testing.

Develops a combinatorial technique for selecting important component combinations.

Provides a set of test templates for system dependability validation.

Abstract

Nowadays, the consequences of failure and downtime of distributed systems have become more and more severe. As an obvious solution, these systems incorporate protection mechanisms to tolerate faults that could cause systems failures and system dependability must be validated to ensure that protection mechanisms have been implemented correctly and the system will provide the desired level of reliable service. This paper presents a systematic approach for identifying (1) characteristic sets of critical system elements for dependability testing (single points of failure and recovery groups) based on the concept of layered networks; and (2) the most important combinations of components from each recovery group based on a combinatorial technique. Based on these combinations, we determine a set of test templates to be performed to demonstrate system dependability.