An improved network node includes a network node autonomy portion and a sentinel autonomy portion. The network node autonomy portion can perform the tasks as a conventional network node. Both the autonomy portions contain their respective processors and MIBs. In a proper operational condition,...http://www.google.ca/patents/US5761428?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5761428 - Method and aparatus for providing agent capability independent from a network node 
