Network-Wide Initiatives to Control Measurement Mechanisms: A Survey

Measurement mechanisms have steadily evolved over the last years and are a key tool for network management. These mechanisms produce results for several network metrics and can be used in different contexts by network administrators. However, the deployment and operation of measurement mechanisms consumes valuable computational and human resources. In this context, approaches to help the administrators to control measurement mechanisms are of paramount importance. In this context, network-wide approaches for such control can provide a larger impact than single device ones. The purpose of this paper is to look at initiatives on the network- wide approaches to control measurement mechanisms in order to provide an integrated perspective. Moreover, we describe criteria that can be used to analyze and compare these initiatives. Furthermore, future trends are discussed in order to predict what the future holds for network-wide control of measurement mechanisms.