A modular middleware for high-level dynamic network management

ABSTRACT

In addition to the control and supervision of components and connections, network management middlewares are required to enhance reliability and efficiency of distributed systems. In this paper, we describe a modular and distributed middleware architecture aimed at high-level dynamic network management. The proposed approach uses swarm-intelligence at the monitoring level to provide self-organization, adaptability, scalability and reactivity features. Resource management is performed by a multi-agent based layer. Knowledge exchange between the monitoring and management layers is mediated by a datawarehouse. The model is evaluated through a case study for grid computing.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
        D.2.11 Software Architectures

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.4 Distributed Systems

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
        I.2.11 Distributed Artificial Intelligence

General Terms:
Algorithms, Management, Performance, Reliability

Keywords:
ant algorithms, intelligent middleware, network management, swarm intelligence