Interaction in Time and Space

Distributed π-calculus and ambient calculus are extended with timers which may trigger timeout recovery processes. Timers provide a useful notion of relative time with respect to the interaction in a distributed system. The rather flat notion of space in timed distributed π-calculus is improved by considering a hierarchical representation of space in timed mobile ambients. Some basic results are proven, making sound both formal approaches. An easily understood example is used for both extensions, showing how it is possible to describe a non-monotonic behaviour and use a decentralized control to coordinate the interacting components in time and space.