Finished Projects
Network Security
Active Networks
Active networks expand the function of a network packet from carrying data to carrying data and code or code references. These "active packets" supply additional services to be executed by the network nodes that forward the packet. This is a powerful mechanism for the deployment of new and specialized services at the packet level, but it also introduces new avenues for attack on the network behavior. We are actively involved with the research community in defining security requirements and developing prototype implementations of Secure Active Networks. Under the DARPA contract for Secure Active Network Prototypes, TIS is investigating the issues of security in active networks and prototyping a number of possible solutions. This contract will research the issues of preventing damage to the network nodes or to the intended use of the new services and will produce prototypes of potential solutions.