Handling system variability in real time discrete event experimentation

Contemporary systems, as communication networks and transportation systems, are characterized by variable structure, resulting in the change of structure and rules of behavior. When attempting to reach conclusions for the behavior of these systems in the near future, traditional simulation cannot provide reliable results, since incorporating into the model any occurring reformations is not possible. The faster than real time approach discussed in this paper provides a concise framework towards this direction. Relevant methodological aspects are discussed in the following, using the DEVS modeling formalism. Emphasis is given to the experimentation phase. Realization of this methodological framework is also discussed through a network simulation example.