Implementation of a prototype active network

Active networks carry SmartPackets that contain both data and user-specified methods to extend the functionality of switches to perform user-specific computation on the encapsulated data. This enables rapid customization of the network and provides a mechanism to adapt the network to a changing environment. We describe the implementation of a prototype active network that is implemented in Java. We also illustrate the use of active networks to provide enhanced services at both the network and application levels.