A Formal Approach to Network/Distributed Systems Complex Testing

TL;DR

This paper surveys current testing practices for network and distributed systems, then develops formal testing procedures that integrate software and network aspects, supported by a formal model based on the system development lifecycle.

Contribution

It introduces a formal approach to complex testing of network and distributed systems, unifying software and network testing procedures with a formal process model.

Findings

Survey of existing testing practices and standards

Development of formal testing procedures for combined aspects

Formal model for testing processes in system development lifecycle

Abstract

Deployment of network/distributed systems sets high requirements for procedures, tools and approaches for the complex testing of these systems. This work provides a survey of testing activities with regard to these systems based on standards and actual practices for both software-based and distribution (network) aspects. On the basis of this survey, we determine formal testing procedures/processes which cover these aspects, but which are not contrary to both aspects. The next step, based on the analysis of the implementation phase of System Development Life Cycle, determines a formal model for these processes