Integrating Performance Analysis in the Context of LOTOS-Based Design

Performance analysis and formal correctness verification of computer communication protocols and distributed systems have traditionally been considered as two separate fields. However, their integration can be achieved by using formal description techniques as paradigms for performance modeling. The authors investigate the possibility of using LOTOS, one of the two formal specification languages that have been standardized by ISO, as the formal basis for performance modeling. A LOTOS extension which encompasses both timing and probabilistic aspects is proposed, and a general performance model derivable from extended LOTOS specification is identified. The performance model is open to different evaluation techniques. A simple example, a stop-and-wait protocol, is used to concretely demonstrate the new approach