Supporting adaptive multimedia with the wandering network model

The wandering network is a new type of communications architecture defined by: 1) flexible, multi-modal specialization of network nodes as virtual subnetworks; 2) mobility and virtualization of the net functions in hardware and software; and 3) self-organization as multi-feedback-based topology on-demand. Network elements can contain several exchangeable modules capable of executing diverse network functions in parallel. They can be invoked, transported to or generated in the nodes upon delivery of mobile code containing programs about the node's behaviour.