CLAIR: A Contract-Based Framework for Developing Resilient CPS Architectures

Abstract

Industrial cyber-infrastructure is normally a multilayered architecture. The purpose of the layered architecture is to hide complexity and allow independent evolution of the layers. In this paper, we argue that this traditional strict layering results in poor transparency across layers affecting the ability to significantly improve resiliency. We propose a contract-based methodology where components across and within the layers of the cyber-infrastructure are associated with contracts and a light-weight resilience manager. This allows the system to detect faults (contract violation monitored using observers) and react (change contracts dynamically) effectively. It results in (1) improving transparency across layers; helps resiliency, (2) decoupling fault-handling code from application code; helps code maintenance, (3) systematically generate error-free fault handling code; reduces development time. Using an industrial case study, we demonstrate the proposed methodology.