Representing Hierarchical Mobility in Software Architectures

Abstract

The ability to move components from one hierarchical model to another becomes necessary to support arbitrary changes in software topologies. Mobility allows the access to the hidden interface of a hierarchical component without breaking encapsulation, keeping the architecture modular. Mobility permits also the introduction of new functionally in the application without requiring changes in the architecture, enabling its adaptation to dynamic requirements. To illustrate hierarchical mobility we employ the connecton software architecture (CSA). CSA combines a modular and hierarchical software construction with the object- oriented architectural style to achieve an innovative software architecture that eliminates the limitations of the classical object-oriented technology in supporting modular components. The simulation of a queuing system whose clients are represented by mobile components is provided.