Active Networks and Active Network Management: A Proactive Management Framework
đź“ś Abstract
Active networks represent a novel approach to network architecture. They support user-injection of customized programs into network nodes, thereby enabling applications to manage and manipulate their own data or control traffic in the network. We define an "active network management" framework to support active networks, based on state management and control mechanisms. By supporting dynamic loadable management applications, active management provides a vehicle that operators can use to automate and control network and service management. We present a case study that highlights some of the issues in building, deploying, and using active management, and argue that it represents an important, viable approach to modern network management issues, particularly in large-scale, distributed networks.
✨ Summary
The paper “Active Networks and Active Network Management: A Proactive Management Framework” proposes a framework for active network management. This framework allows for dynamic management applications that are loadable, enabling network operators to automate and control network and service management more effectively. This can have significant implications for large-scale, distributed networks by allowing enhanced control over network architecture. The proposed solution introduces the concept of active networks, where user-injected programs can manage and manipulate data or control traffic.
A quick web search indicates that this paper is often cited in the context of network architecture and management discussions but doesn’t appear to have significantly influenced a specific application or industry standard. However, it has contributed to the academic discourse on how network management can be made more dynamic and responsive. For example, this concept of active networks is referenced in contexts like dynamic network customizations and enhancements in personal communication services: - Tennenhouse, David L., et al. “A survey of active network research.” IEEE communications Magazine 35.1 (1997): 80-86. IEEE - Wetherall, David. “Active network vision and reality: lessons from a capsule-based system.” ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review. ACM, 1999. ACM Digital Library
Overall, the paper has primarily had an academic influence, contributing to understanding and further exploration of network management frameworks.