A component framework for dynamic reconfiguration of distributed systems

Abstract

The growing popularity of wired and wireless Internet requires distributed systems to be more flexible, adaptive and easily extendable. Dynamic reconfiguration of distributed component-based systems is one possible solution to meet these demands. However, current component frameworks that support dynamic reconfiguration either place the burden of preparing a component for reconfiguration completely on the component’s developer or impose strong restrictions on the component model and the communication mechanisms. We investigate a middle ground between these two extremes and propose a component framework that supports a framework guided reconfiguration and places minimal burden on the component’s developer. This component framework offers mechanisms to analyze and treat the interactions between the target component and other components during a dynamic reconfiguration.