SAAM: An Integrated Network Architecture for Integrated Services

The current network architecture is based predominantly on stand-alone routers. It is becoming overtaxed with the introduction of integrated services. In this paper, we propose a Server and Agent based Active network Management (SAAM) architecture that scales well with integrated services. SAAM relieves individual routers from most routing and network management tasks. Instead, it employs a small number of dedicated servers to perform these tasks on behalf of the routers. In particular, these servers maintain a path information base (PIB), with which network functions, such as QoS routing and re-routing of real-time flows, can be efficiently implemented. We describe a scaleable architecture for organizing the servers as well as a concrete design of the PIB. SAAM has the potential of offering a common platform where multiple network functions — such as routing, resource reservation, network management, accounting and security — can be integrated.