Active Networking Means Evolution (or Enhanced Extensibility Required)

The primary goal of active networking is to increase the pace of network evolution. The approach to achieving this goal, as well as the goal of enhancing customizability, is to allow network nodes to be extended by dynamically loaded code. Most active network implementations employ plug-in extensibility, a technique for loading code characterized by a concrete, pre-defined abstraction of future change. After giving examples of plug-in extensibility, we argue that while it is flexible and convenient, it is not sufficient to facilitate true evolution of the network. To remedy this problem, we propose the use of dynamic software updating. Dynamic software updating reduces the a priori assumptions of plug-in extensibility, improving flexibility and eliminating the need to pre-plan extensions. However, this additional flexibility results in additional complexity and creates issues involving validity and security. We discuss these issues, and describe the state-of-the-art in systems that su...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2000
• Where: IWAN
• Authors: Michael W. Hicks, Scott Nettles
• Keywords: Active Networks, Computer Networks, Dynamic Software, IWAN 2000, Plug-in Extensibility