Regular model checking is being developed for algorithmic verification of several classes of infinite-state systems whose configurations can be modeled as words over a finite alphabet. Examples include parameterized systems consisting of an arbitrary number of homogeneous finite-state processes connected in a linear or ring-formed topology, and systems that operate on queues, stacks, integers, and other linear data structures. The main idea is to use regular languages as the representation of sets of configurations, and finite-state transducers to describe transition relations. In general, the verification problems considered are all undecidable, so the work has consisted in developing semi-algorithms, and decidability results for restricted cases. This paper provides a survey of the work that has been performed so far, and some of its applications.

Regular model checking is a form of symbolic model checking for parameterized and infinite-state systems whose states can be represented as words of arbitrary length over a finite alphabet, in which regular sets of words are used to represent sets of states. We present LTL(MSO), a combination of the logics monadic second-order logic (M SO) and LT L as a natural logic for expressing the temporal properties to be verified in regular model checking. In other words, LTL(MSO) is a natural specification language for both the system and the property under consideration. LTL(MSO) is a two-dimensional modal logic, where M SO is used for specifying properties of system states and transitions, and LT L is used for specifying temporal properties. In addition, the first-order quantification in M SO can be used to express properties parameterized on a position or process. We give a technique for model checking LTL(MSO), which is adapted from the automata-theoretic approach: a formula is translated to a Büchi regular transition system with a regular set of accepting states, and regular model checking techniques are used to search for models. We have implemented the technique, and show its application to a number of parameterized algorithms from the literature.

Abstract. We present a technique for modeling and automatic verification of network protocols, based on graph transformation. It is suitable for protocols with a potentially unbounded number of nodes, in which the structure and topology of the network is a central aspect, such as routing protocols for ad hoc networks. Safety properties are specified as a set of undesirable global configurations. We verify that there is no undesirable configuration which is reachable from an initial configuration, by means of symbolic backward reachability analysis.In general, the reachability problem is undecidable. We implement the technique in a graph grammar analysis tool, and automatically verify several interesting nontrivial examples. Notably, we prove loop freedom for the DYMO ad hoc routing protocol. DYMO is currently on the IETF standards track, to potentially become an Internet standard.