Enable QoS for Distributed Object Applications by ORB-Based Active Networking

Abstract

Future requirements for supporting distributed object applications by active networks are discussed. A middleware approach for active networking is presented. A CORBA-based distributed processing environment (DPE) is described as an interoperable service platform in an active network to enable end-to-end QoS for distributed object communication. Three key platform services are presented, including QoS binding, component management and resource control. A binding framework is enhanced to achieve transparent QoS binding; an active component management service is proposed as an out-band signaling to install service objects; active node resources are adaptively managed to support generic reservation requirements. As a whole, the paper presents a distributed computing model for active networks so that active services can be dynamically deployed as downloadable objects to apply different QoS architectures on demand. With this model, distributed object-oriented systems directly benefit from active networking technology with respect to QoS need.