This paper introduces the concept of stability in asynchronous distributed decision-making (ADDM) systems and proposes an intuitive yet practical and usable definition. A comprehensive stability analysis on an accurate simulation model provides the necessary assurance, with a high level of confidence, that the system will perform adequately. Thus, the key elements in the study of stability include steady-state, perturbations, and stability. Since the development of rigorous analytical models for most ADDM systems is difficult, if not impossible, the definitions of the key elements proposed in this paper constitute a general framework to investigate stability. For a given ADDM system, the definitions are based on the performance indices that must be judiciously identified by the system architect and are likely to be unique. While a comprehensive study of all possible perturbations is too complex and time consuming, this paper focuses on a key subset of perturbations that are important and are likely to occur with greater frequency. To facilitate the understanding of stability in representative real-world systems, this paper reports the analysis of two basic manifestations of ADDM systems that have been reported in the literature-(i) a decentralized military command and control problem, MFAD, and (ii) a novel distributed algorithm with soft reservation for efficient scheduling and congestion mitigation in railway networks, RYNSORD. Stability analysis of MFAD and RYNSORD yields key stable and unstable conditions.
On the concept of 'stability' in asynchronous distributed decision-making systems
IEICE Transactions on Communications ; E83-B , 5 ; 1023-1038
2000
16 Seiten, 33 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English