The emerging next generation of routers exhibit both high performance and r
ich functionality, such as support for virtual private networks and QoS. To
achieve this, per-flow queuing and fast IP filtering are incorporated into
the router hardware. The management of a network comprising such devices a
nd efficient use of the new functionality introduce new challenges. A truly
distributed network management system is an attractive candidate to addres
s these challenges. In this article we describe how active network techniqu
es can be used to allow fast and easy deployment of distributed network man
agement applications in IP networks. We describe a prototype system where l
egacy routers are enhanced with an adjunct active engine, which enables the
safe execution and rapid deployment of new distributed management applicat
ions in the network layer. This system can gradually be integrated in today
's IP network, and allows smooth migration from IP to programmable networks
. This is done with an emphasis on efficient use of network resources, whic
h is somewhat obscure by many of today's high-level solutions.