A Compatible Hardware/Software Reliability Prediction Model.
Abstract
In this paper a new modeling methodology to characterize failure processes in Time-Sharing systems due to hardware transients and software errors is presented. The basic assumption made is that the instantaneous failure rate of a system resource can be approximated by a deterministic function of time plus a zero-mean stationary Gaussian process, both depending on the usage of the resource considered. The probability density function of the time to failure obtained under this assumption has a decreasing hazard function, partially explaining why other decreasing hazard function densities such as the Weibull fit experimental data so well. Furthermore, by considering the Operating System kernel as a system resource, this methodology sets the basis for independent methods of evaluating the contribution of software and hardware to system unreliability. The modeling methodology has been validated with the analysis of a real system. The predicted system behavior according to this methodology is compared with the predictions of other models such as the exponential, Weibull, and periodic failure rate. The implications of this methodology are discussed and some applications are given in the areas of Performance/Reliability modeling, software reliability evaluation, models incorporating permanent hardware faults, policy optimization, and design optimization. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 22, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA113590
Entities
People
- Thomas D. Smith
- Xavier Castillo
Organizations
- Carnegie Mellon University