Migrating group communication protocols to networks with mobile hosts

There is a compelling need to include mobile hosts in many of today's computing applications especially in distributed applications. This paper introduces a new model, called Mobile Group Communication Model or MGCM, for implementing Process Groups and Group Communication as one tool for building reliable and fault-tolerant distributed applications on networks with mobile hosts. The model is based on a simple layered architecture that guarantees virtual synchrony and atomicity in addition to ordering requirements. A two-tier principle approach is used in designing the model that off-loads the work from mobile hosts to the set of mobile support stations. Simulation is conducted to test the model using the "Ptolemy" simulation tool.