Protocol for dynamic self-adaptive coupling in component-based distributed systems

Coupling has been originally defined as the measure of the strength of association established by a connection from one module to another. Most of the existing techniques and measuring coupling metrics are classified by procedural programming and object-oriented programming. Specification and management of adaptive systems pose complex problems, if the systems are not designed with the idea of "adaptability" in mind, regardless whether it is a self-adaptability or a managed adaptability (through external entities). In a component-based distributed system (architecture), component interactions are the most crucial piece of adaptability, from both (1) component interface design and (2) the nature of the component coupling. Our proposal addresses the latter issues. We introduce new concepts for coupling and propose protocol mechanisms to define, use and implement dynamic adaptive coupling. Our proposal captures coupling semantics and allows several ways to monitor and control large distributes systems.