Fault tree analysis of computer systems

ABSTRACT

Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is a well developed technique for the reliability and safety analysis of complex systems such as nuclear power plants and weapon systems. In this paper, we apply FTA to analyze the reliability and the performance of computer systems. An approach to detect the sequence dependent faults in computer systems is proposed and exemplified. Based on the fault tree analysis, guidelines for up-grading the system can be developed.

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