On Convergence and Reliability in Self-Configuring Virtual Topologies

摘要

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Peer-to-Peer networks (P2P), active networks, and overlay research test beds are examples of virtual topologies on top of the underlying IP infrastructure. Due to the ubiquitous and cost-effective nature of the Internet, the virtual topologies on top of Internet are becoming ever more popular and widespread. However, automatic configuration and management facilities are a necessary prerequisite for successful large scale deployment of virtual topologies. We have developed an automatic discovery protocol for virtual topologies, which has been documented more thoroughly in our previous work. This paper focuses on the analysis of reliability and convergence of this virtual topology self-configuration protocol.