Formal specification of a protocol processor

Abstract

To ensure the correctness of functional and temporal properties of modern network hardware devices is becoming increasingly challenging because the growing complexity and demanding time-to-market requirements. In this paper we address the problem by deriving a TACO protocol processor model in the formal framework of Timed Action Systems. Formal methods offer a prominent approach to specify, design, and verify such devices with the benefits of a rigorous mathematical basis. The derivation demonstrates the capability of preserving correctness when considering an important hardware design decision. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.