Internet factories

This thesis contributes a novel concept for introducing new network technologies in network infrastructures. The concept, called Internet factories, describes the methodical process to create and manage application-specific networks from application programs, referred to as Netapps. An Internet factory manufactures and deploys Netapps, each with their own set of technologies and services. To create Netapps developers use standardized components and common patterns, i.e. software libraries, capturing years of experience and knowledge in network and systems engineering. In essence, the Netapp describes the life cycle of a network from its creation, operation, to its decommissioning. Therefore, the contribution of this thesis can be summarized as: the Netapp is the network. It is in the design and implementation of Netapps that we find new challenges in network research for years to come.