In the last decade, we witnessed the unparalleled success of communication networks such as the Internet or wireless mobile communication networks. The unprecedented scale of the aforementioned networks does not mark the end of the growth, but the emergence of wireless sensor networks and the "Internet of Things" are going to further add to the complexity of today's communication networks. For providers and network operators to be able to plan, build, and maintain next generation networks, it is necessary to push the envelope of traditional means to control the network. From a user's perspective, the organic growth of autonomously operated (community) networks and of application-level overlay networks presents further challenges.
展开▼
