Formal verification of communication protocols in distributed systems

Abstract — In distributed applications, software components embedded in the communication protocols collectively provide the interaction and functionality among various parts that run on the common pervasive platform. However, software components, as the target for the most of the changes, are expected to carry majority of the design faults. Hence, their verified conformance to the specification (correctness) is crucial for the reliable operation of the application. The paper surveys recent progress in the development of formal techniques as applied to the verification of protocols in distributed systems. Based on this analysis an appropriate method is selected and rigorously scrutinized by its practice to a specific protocol. Performance issues and possible improvements are discussed. I