CORM: A reference model for future computer networks

Abstract

This paper acknowledges the need for revolutionary designs to devise the Future Internet by presenting a clean-slate Concern-Oriented Reference Model (CORM) for architecting future networks. CORM is derived in accordance to the Function–Behavior–Structure engineering framework, conceiving computer networks as a distributed software-dependent complex system. CORM networks are designed along two main dimensions: a vertical dimension addressing structure and configuration of network building blocks; and a horizontal dimension addressing communication and interaction among the previously formulated building blocks. For each network dimension, CORM factors the design space into function, structure, and behavior, applying to each the principle of separation of concerns for further systematic decomposition. Perceiving the network as a complex system, CORM constructs the network recursively in a bottom–up approach starting by the network building block, whose structure and behavior are inspired by an evolutionary bacterium cell. Hence, CORM is bio-inspired, it refutes the long-endorsed concept of layering, it accounts intrinsically for emergent behavior fostering network integrity and stability. We conjecture that networks designed according to CORM-based architectures can adapt and further evolve to better fit their contexts. To justify our conjecture, we derive and simulate a CORM-based architecture for ad hoc networks.