Process-channelagent-process model of asynchronous distributed communication

A simple model of asynchronous distributed communication, the process-to-channel_agent-to-process (PCP) model, is presented. This model is used as a framework for presenting channel grammars that specify channel behavior. The PCP model, in conjunction with channel grammars, provides a versatile and succinct mechanism for specifying and comparing different types of channels, as well as for designing channel implementations. The usefulness of these tools is demonstrated by presenting an implementation of hierarchical F-channels, which are channels based on hierarchical communication speeds and F-channels