Active Networking
Encyclopedia
Active networking is a communication pattern that allows packets flowing through a telecommunications network to dynamically modify the operation of the network.
that can execute active packets), a node
operating system
capable of supporting one or more execution environments.
It also consists of active hardware, capable of routing or switching as well as executing code within active packets.
This differs from the traditional network architecture which seeks robustness and stability by attempting to remove complexity and the ability to change its fundamental operation from underlying network components. Network processor
s are one means of implementing active networking concepts. Active networks have also been implemented as overlay network
s.
This enables such ideas as sending code along with packets of information allowing the data to change its form (code) to match the channel characteristics.
The smallest program that can generate a sequence of data can be found in the definition of Kolmogorov complexity
.
The use of real-time genetic algorithms
within the network to compose network services is also enabled by active networking.
In order to do this, active network research must address the problem of optimally allocating computation versus communication within communication networks. A similar problem related to the compression of code as a measure of complexity is addressed via algorithmic information theory
.
How it works
Active network architecture is composed of execution environments (similar to a unix shellUnix shell
A Unix shell is a command-line interpreter or shell that provides a traditional user interface for the Unix operating system and for Unix-like systems...
that can execute active packets), a node
Node (networking)
In communication networks, a node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or a communication endpoint . The definition of a node depends on the network and protocol layer referred to...
operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
capable of supporting one or more execution environments.
It also consists of active hardware, capable of routing or switching as well as executing code within active packets.
This differs from the traditional network architecture which seeks robustness and stability by attempting to remove complexity and the ability to change its fundamental operation from underlying network components. Network processor
Network processor
A network processor is an integrated circuit which has a feature set specifically targeted at the networking application domain.Network processors are typically software programmable devices and would have generic characteristics similar to general purpose central processing units that are commonly...
s are one means of implementing active networking concepts. Active networks have also been implemented as overlay network
Overlay network
An overlay network is a computer network which is built on the top of another network. Nodes in the overlay can be thought of as being connected by virtual or logical links, each of which corresponds to a path, perhaps through many physical links, in the underlying network...
s.
What does it offer?
Active networking allows the possibility of highly tailored and rapid "real-time" changes to the underlying network operation.This enables such ideas as sending code along with packets of information allowing the data to change its form (code) to match the channel characteristics.
The smallest program that can generate a sequence of data can be found in the definition of Kolmogorov complexity
Kolmogorov complexity
In algorithmic information theory , the Kolmogorov complexity of an object, such as a piece of text, is a measure of the computational resources needed to specify the object...
.
The use of real-time genetic algorithms
Genetic algorithm
A genetic algorithm is a search heuristic that mimics the process of natural evolution. This heuristic is routinely used to generate useful solutions to optimization and search problems...
within the network to compose network services is also enabled by active networking.
Fundamental challenges
Active network research addresses the nature of how best to incorporate extremely dynamic capability within networks.In order to do this, active network research must address the problem of optimally allocating computation versus communication within communication networks. A similar problem related to the compression of code as a measure of complexity is addressed via algorithmic information theory
Algorithmic information theory
Algorithmic information theory is a subfield of information theory and computer science that concerns itself with the relationship between computation and information...
.
Nanoscale active networks
As the limit in reduction of transistor size is reached with current technology, active networking concepts are being explored as a more efficient means accomplishing computation and communication. More on this can be found in nanoscale networking.Further reading
- Towards an Active Network Architecture (1996), David L. TennenhouseDavid L. TennenhouseDavid Lawrence Tennenhouse was the Chief Executive Officer of A9.com, the search subsidiary of Amazon.com, from February 2006 through September 2006. He was previously an executive at Intel, a senior employee at DARPA, and a professor at MIT. He is currently on secondment to the Defense Advanced...
, et al., Computer Communication Review - Active Networks and Active Network Management: A Proactive Management Framework by Stephen F. Bush and Amit Kulkarni, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York, Boston, Dordrecht, London, Moscow, 2001, 196 pp. Hardbound, ISBN 0-306-46560-4.
- Programmable Networks for IP Service Deployment" by Galis, A., Denazis, S., Brou, C., Klein, C.- Artech House Books, London, June 20;, 450 pp., ISBN 1-58053-745-6