On reusing ATNet modules in protocol specification
Abstract Algebraic term nets (ATNets) are a semigraphical formalism for modular specification of complex systems. Their underlying theory is based on an association of Petri nets and abstract data types. They are used to cope, respectively, with process and data-type specification. ATNets are mainly used for specifying real-size communication protocols according to standards. The objective of this article is twofold. First, we review some basic notions about ATNets and their various versions. Then we show how to build new specifications from older ones by reusing ATNet modules.