A model for enhancing connection rerouting in mobile networks

In active networks (ANs) programs can be injected into routers and switches to extend the functionalities of the network. This allows programmers to e nhance existing protocols and enables the rapid deployment of new protocols . The main objective of this paper is to show why ANs are ideal in solving the problem of connection rerouting and how current end-to-end based approa ches can be enhanced. In this paper we propose a new model called active co nnection rerouting (ACR). In the ACR model, programs are dynamically inject ed into switches/routers in mobile networks to faciliate efficient connecti on rerouting during mobile host (MH) migration. We show how connection rero uting can be performed efficiently within the network. The ACR model uses a two stage optimization process: (i) path extension and (ii) lazy optimizat ion. Unlike previous work on two stage connection rerouting ACR has the fol lowing properties: elimination of loops within switches/routers and increme ntal optimization which minimizes buffer requirements and maximized path re use. ACR performs well in all topologies. Our experimental results show tha t ACR is efficient and scalable and it performs well in all topologies.