Signature-based method for run-time fault detection in communication protocols 1

Abstract

Run-time fault detection of communication protocols is essential because of faults that occur in the form of coding defects, memory problems and external disturbances. We propose a signature-based method to detect run-time faults. A polynomial using the state and event information as coefficients is used to transform a sequence of states and events into a number (signature). The static signature corresponding to the correct execution of the protocol is compared with the run-time signature. This technique is reliable, fast, and efficient compared to the existing techniques. The states and events are assigned values such that multiple paths leading to the same state result in a unique signature. This reduces the number of run-time comparisons required to verify the correct execution of the protocol. Fault-detection based on signatures is also much simpler than observer-based methods. We propose extensions to communication protocols that facilitate the application of signature-based techniques to detect run-time faults in communication protocols. In this paper, we present eXTP4, an extended transport layer protocol that facilitates run-time fault detection.