A tentative study on reconfigurable network model

As a promising technology to improve network survivability, reliability and flexibility, autonomous reconfigurability is extremely important for modern information networks that usually respond to unforeseen events. In this paper, we mainly focus on autonomously reconfigurable network systems from the point of emergency response. Based on the features of reconfigurable network systems, we propose an effective autonomous reconfigurable network model. The autonomous reconfigurability mechanism is represented by a sensing-judging-responding process based on the control theory. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the autonomous reconfigurable mechanism works when facing fire emergency in intelligent building.

I. Introduction

Emergency response to unexpected public events is becoming more and more important for the economic development and social stability [1], [2]. Modern information society depends profoundly on stable and efficient functioning of energy resources, transport, communication and network infrastructure in presence of unpredictable events, both good and bad. However, disasters in information systems are unable to be predicted and avoided, which are usually threats to the security of information networks. Various disasters and faults caused by business interruption, and untimely function recovery or loss of data in network systems will affect people's life, and generate tremendous losses [3], [4].