Biologically inspired peer-to-peer distributed file system

A fundamental problem in the current second generation of Peer-to-Peer algorithms and applications is that they are based on schemes and models that have predetermined, predefined centralized and distributed techniques. The majority of second-generation Peer-to-Peer systems assume stable environments. Workarounds are commonly used to fix them. However, when subject to dynamic contexts, the algorithms and applications are brittle, unscalable, and limited to continue providing services.; A Peer-to-Peer Distributed File System, as an application developed on top of a Peer-to-Peer system, inherits second-generation Peer-to-Peer drawbacks, unless special workarounds are provided. The Peer-to-Peer Distributed File System has limitations to manage its distributed file services effectively in decentralized, self-organized, ad-hoc environments. This thesis tackles these problems by first presenting a new computing paradigm called the Emergent Thinker and then applying the Emergent Thinker to design and develop a Biologically Inspired Peer-to-Peer Distributed File System. As a collateral contribution, the thesis provides a paradigm and a methodology that can be used to provide Systems Research a new approach to solve distributed systems problems.; The thesis introduces the Emergent Thinker paradigm, an area-wide logical computing entity, named after a philosopher that continuously analyses information and has emergent computed solutions for new and/or existing requests. The Complex Adaptive System (CAS) emergent computation model and the CAS propagation model are proposed as mechanisms to achieve the Emergent Thinker. The Thinker is intended as an alternative approach for new and current design and implementation challenges in systems research.; The Biologically Inspired Peer-to-Peer Distributed File System (BPD) implements the Emergent Thinker paradigm. The BPD design and implementation is the major thesis contribution. The biological inspiration comes from the natural and biological models used in the implementation of the CAS that form the basis of its services. The BPD provides file system services in a complex information system environment that is dynamic, self-organized, ad hoc and decentralized. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...