Active and programmable networking is a step towards enhancing the static and inflexible structures of current networks. As part of the general research trend, this thesis focuses on the design and development of technologies that allow rapid deployment of new functionality throughout the network (for example, customised network services and protocols), which allows network vendors and service providers to respond quickly to the changing requirements and keep up with the fast evolution in network and communication technologies.

This thesis starts off with an general introduction into the research area and a description of the basic mechanisms behind active networking. A critical examination of existing active and programmable systems and associated technologies is provided. These results together with previous experiences of developing an active network system lead to a set of fundamental requirements for active nodes. The core of the thesis presents the design and implementation of a novel active router architecture that enables flexible network programmability based on so-called `active components'. This second generation Lancaster Active Router Architecture (LARA++) is designed to provide maximum flexibility for the development of future network functionality and services. Its comprehensive service composition framework enables flexible programmability through the transparent integration of active components into the router's data path.

Finally, the success of the node architecture and its prototype implementation is evaluated by means of a few concrete applications. This shows that LARA++ offers sufficient flexibility and extensibility to augment the network in ways that suit today's fast evolving internetwork platform, and the prototype implementation confirms that the research platform offers acceptable performance for edge-routers of small-to-medium sized network environments.

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