74 Software Networks
The existing interfaces include:
– the interface of access to the runtime environment;
– the interface between the runtime environment and the node’s
operating system;
– the interface of access to the node’s operating system.
3.10. Programmable networks
Programmable networks form part of active networks, whose role
is to develop a set of software abstractions of the network resources,
so that we can access these resources by their abstraction.
The objective of these networks is to render the nodes
programmable so as to adapt them to the user demands and the
required services. The programming commands, which may be sent
either through a signaling network or by user packets containing
control programs, can attack the nodes at different levels of
abstraction. The IEEE has set up a working group with the purpose of
standardizing these interfaces.
3.11. Autonomous networks
The concept of an active and programmable network is gradually
being supplanted by that of an autonomous network. An autonomous
network is a network which does not need a management center or
control center to make its decisions. Thus, an autonomous network is
a network that can decide for itself how it will behave. This is a
concept which was introduced for NGNs (Next-Generation
Networks), whose aim is to replace all existing networks by a single
IP network, thus integrating all communication media.
An autonomous network must be capable of managing itself,
detecting problems, repairing itself and controlling itself when no
communication is possible.
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