Active networking support for group communication

Open, decentralized networks such as Internet are increasingly heterogeneous and dynamic. Applications running over such networks must be able to cope with resource restrictions and operate under the most diverse conditions. Providing multiple services over the same network has enormous effect on scalability, performances and cost of this network. Selecting a proper concept of network for mass market has a capitol importance for telecom operators. This is even more important for group communication applications, since the differences among group participants must also be taken into consideration. This paper analyses the support mechanisms for group communication applications which adapt to available network resources. Models used in this paper are simplified models of real discreet stochastic systems which represent one of the most popular research areas. Subscriber´s behavior and dynamic network evolution are taken into account as key variables before implementing new ideas and innovations. Innovative elements refer to an active node involvement in forming distributional platform based on IP (Internet Protocol) with elements of multiple services offerings in new generation networks. Storing trends of end user behaviors and shaping traffic based on it, data aggregation and making heterogeneity environment according to subscriber´s requirements are only some topics discussed in this paper.