A framework for fault tolerance in virtualized servers

Abstract

In modern naval platforms, most of the critical operations are done with the help of automated systems. Specifically, operational decisions and actions are finalized using command and control systems (C2 systems). A wide variety of sensors, radars, communication devices, and weapons are connected to C2 systems. Generally speaking, C2 systems receive data from their respective sensors and radar and process that data. Officers then rely on C2 output to make sound decisions by using their technical knowledge combined with detailed scientific information. A modern approach to ensuring the robustness of these systems is to have multiple systems (or servers) running at the same time that back up one another. Since that approach is expensive, this thesis attempts to solve that problem or find an alternative solution with a fault-tolerant, virtual server-based system framework. Our goal is to overcome shortcomings with a cost- and space-efficient and user-friendly approach.