A framework of models for QoS-oriented adaptive deployment of multi-layer communication services in group cooperative activities

This paper presents a framework of architecture-centric models to support the automated and adaptive deployment of communication services for QoS-enabled end-to-end group communication systems. The Transport level (TCP, UDP level) and the above messaging Middleware level are considered as the two communication levels targeted by the QoS-driven adaptation process. Application to crisis management systems (CMS) is considered as a case study from the more general domain to which our results apply: cooperative activity support systems. The adaptation rules rely on graph matching and graph rewriting. The adaptation enactment is based on the dynamic composition of micro-protocols at the Transport level and on the dynamic binding of software components and services at the Middleware level. The deployment model is used as a central feature of service provisioning. The influence of the cooperation and the communication contexts is expressed and maintained consistent by automated graph-based model refinement and transformation.