Abstract
Active Networks is a modern network approach in which pieces of code can be downloaded and executed on network devices, affecting in this way their behavior. This approach alters the philosophy of a computer network, makes it resemble to a distributed system and affects not only network protocols, services or applications, but also high-level mechanisms and procedures. One of the affected procedures is the development and testing of new protocols. By exploiting active network properties the development of a network protocol can be simplified to software development. Expensive and time-consuming hardware implementations are avoided, while the code can be developed, shared and tested by individual researchers. Testing can be performed on actual conditions instead of using inaccurate simulations. Early implementations of the protocol, which can be modified easily while the protocol evolves, can be used to obtain useful feedback. This paper describes our experiences of developing and testing of some of theietf cops family protocols in an Active Environment.
Résumé
Les réseaux actifs s’inscrivent dans une approche nouvelle des architectures de réseaux de télécommunication où des morceaux de programme peuvent être téléchargés et exécutés dans les noeuds du réseau affectant ainsi leurs comportements. Cette approche sous-entend un changement de la philosophie du réseau de télécommunication, qui le ferait ressembler plus à un système réparti, et qui affecte non seulement les protocoles de réseau, les services et les applications, mais également les mécanismes et processus de haut niveau. Un des processus affectés est celui du développement et du test de nouveaux protocoles. En exploitant les propriétés des réseaux actifs, le développement de nouveaux protocoles peut être assimilé à un développement plus simple de logiciel. Les implémentations de matériel coûteuses en temps et en argent peuvent être évitées, le logiciel pouvant être développé, partagé et testé par des chercheurs individuels. Au lieu de simulations souvent basées sur des hypothèses non réalistes, les tests peuvent être effectués moyennant des déploiements de réseaux d’essai et dans des conditions réelles. Des implémentations préliminaires du protocole, qui peuvent être modifiées facilement tout au long de l’évolution de celui-ci, peuvent être utilisées pour obtenir une rétroaction utile. Cet article retrace notre expérience de développement et de test de certains des protocoles de la famillecops de l’ietf dans un environnement de réseau actif.
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Boutaba, R., Polyrakis, A. & Casani, A.F. Active networks as a developing and testing environment for network protocols. Ann. Télécommun. 59, 505–524 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03179685
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03179685
Key words
- Active telecommunication network
- Network architecture
- Transmission protocol
- Software engineering
- Networking
- Programmable equipment