External access point

An external access point (node or netlet) executes in its own accounting group which must be established when the access point is first created. External access point netlets can only be created by a binding protocol that can establish a new hosting contract.

An external access point can receive bind requests from any netlet on the node, thus allowing for more efficient use of resources. Because it has its own hosting contract, it can request a quality of service level from the node according to its needs. Also, the access point's lifetime is independent of any of its clients.