Secure deployment of application-tailored protocols in future networks

Within the G-Lab project we consider a Future Internet which does not consist of a single general-purpose network architecture. Instead, multiple coexisting virtual networks are designed to cater for the needs of different use-cases and applications. Each of these application-tailored networks requires application-tailored protocols in order to realize the network specific functionalities and characteristics. In this scenario, nodes connecting to a network must acquire the necessary protocols at runtime in order to actually utilize the network. Furthermore, the deployment must be secure to avoid manipulation of the protocols. In this paper we, therefore, introduce a deployment process for application-tailored protocols in such future networks. The proposed deployment process allows for the on-demand distribution of protocols to network nodes. Additionally, the deployment process verifies the integrity as well as origin of protocols and, thus, provides security and reliability.