A Functional Composition Framework for Autonomic Network Architectures

Autonomic network platforms aim to solve the shortcomings of traditional static network technologies by enabling the capability to evolve. They propose a functional alternative to current infrastructures whereby applications do not need to conform to the limitations of the network, but the network does its best to optimise itself to application requirements in a given environment. Adaptability is a fundamental requirement for this. This paper describes a framework that enables adaptation and customisation of a system's functionality and assists its virtualization goals. We learn from paradigms in past research areas and aim to avoid their application domain specific restrictions, by allowing many functional contexts to coexist.