Using DEVS for Full Life Cycle Model-Based System Engineering in Complex Network Design

The Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) is a modeling formalism that supports a general methodology for describing discrete event systems with the capability to represent continuous, discrete, and hybrid systems due to its system theoretic basis. In this chapter, we discuss the use of DEVS as the basic modeling and simulation framework for Model-Based System Engineering methodology that supports the critical stages in a top down design of complex networks. Focusing on the design of communication networks for emergency response, we show how such networks pose challenges to current technologies that current simulators cannot address. This sets the stage for considering how the DEVS formalism supports the required phases of top down design and the transitions from one phase to the next. After describing the proposed DEVS-based system engineering methodology in depth, we conclude with a discussion of the current state of its application, also mentioning open research needed to bring it into general practice.