Service binding

When a netlet requests a service it is managed by the node. The node ensures the right service netlet is found and attached to the requesting netlet. This is called service binding and is illustrated in Figure [*]. Because the node manages service binding life becomes easy for the netlet.

Figure: Service binding. Step 1: The netlet requests a service via the node, which then looks for an appropriate netlet. Step 2: The service netlet is provided by the service and bound to the requesting netlet.
 
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Not only does ``the right netlet'' mean the netlet that offers the right service, but there may even be several alternate netlets for the same service. The service has complete freedom to choose between a lightweight proxying netlet, a more complex, more independent netlet, or anything else it likes.

Nik Silver 2001-10-15