Automated Modeling of Dynamic Reliability Block Diagrams Using Colored Petri Nets

Abstract

Abstract-Computer system reliability is conventionally modeled and analyzed using techniques such as fault tree analysis (FTA) and reliability block diagrams (RBD), which provide static representations of system reliability properties. A recent extension to RBD, called dynamic reliability block diagrams (DRBD), defines a framework for modeling dynamic reliability behavior of computer-based systems. However, analyzing a DRBD model in order to locate and identify design errors, such as a deadlock error or faulty state, is not trivial when done manually. A feasible approach to verifying it is to develop its formal model, and then analyze it using programmatic methods. In this paper, we first define a reliability markup language (RML) that can be used to formally describe DRBD models. Then we present an algorithm that automatically converts a DRBD model into a colored Petri net (CPN). We use a case study to illustrate the effectiveness of our approach and demonstrate how system properties of a DRBD model can be verified using an existing Petri net tool. Our formal modeling approach is compositional, thus it provides a potential solution to automated verification of DRBD models. Index Terms-System

An Integrated Modeling Approach to Evaluate and Optimize Data Center Sustainability, Dependability and Cost

“…The additional blocks (in relation to RBD) to model dependence made the DRBD model complex. The DRBD model is automatically converted to a colored Petri net (CPN) model in order to perform behavior properties analysis, which may certify the correctness of the model [7]. Different from this work, our approach consider SPN models for modeling systems with dependence relationships.…”

“…Most related works focus on estimating only dependability [6][7][8], sustainability [9][10][11]13,14] or cost [15] of data center architectures. Other works have performed efforts to compute and optimize dependability [20] or sustainability [19].…”

A Petri Net-Based Approach to the Quantification of Data Center Dependability

“…The additional blocks (in relation to RBD) to model dependence, turned the DRBD model complex. The DRBD model is automatic converted to CPN model in order to perform behavior properties analysis which may certify the correctness of the model [18]. It seems that an interesting alternative would be to model the system directly using CPN or any other formalism (e.g., SPN) which is able to perform dependability analysis as well as to model dependencies between components.…”

Overview of System Reliability Modeling Tools

“…DFT can model a functional dependency in a system, where a component's failure will cause the inaccessibility or un-usability of other dependent components [5]. Although DFT works well in modeling dynamic reliability, it cannot adequately represent dynamic behaviors previously listed and model general state-based dependencies relationship between components [6]. DRBD which is an extending and enhancing of RBD is also proposed.…”

“…DRBD consists of a state-based RBD (SRBD) and controller blocks that support modeling dynamic relationships between components in a computer-based system. Although DRBD models dynamic reliability properties effectively, it introduces subtle flaws easily due to its modeling complexity [6]. In order to deal with the drawbacks of these modeling tools, verification methodologies are introduced to avoid the certain limitation of each tool.…”