This paper proposes a methodology for supporting the design of fault-tolerant computers for real-time applications. To this end, the paper first presents steps of fault tolerance and describes mechanisms that can be used to realize them. Then, the design options consisting of described mechanisms are proposed and a table summarizing them is designed. From that, the paper proposes a flowchart for choosing between the many various design options available for building a redundant computer system. Choosing an optimal design option is performed according to the number of redundant computers, the mode of operation of redundant computers, the computer failure mode and the severity of the real-time constraint. Finally, graphical models for sequencing the mechanisms of design options are proposed. The main merit of the proposed methodology includes a spectrum of design options of fault-tolerant mechanisms for real-time computers tolerating a single fault at a time and a guide for choosing between them.
Packet Loss Recovery in Broadcast for Real-Time Applications in Dense Wireless Networks
